
Class 
Book. 



PRKSHXTED BY 



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721 The Verinont Centennial '89. 



AND DEDICATION OF THE 



1777 



Bennington Battle Monument. 18a 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



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Shelf 

UNITED STATES OF AMEEICA. 




\ 







THE BENNINGTON BATTLE MONUMENT, 



/ 



THE DEDICATION 



Bennington Battle Monument, and 

Celebration of the Hundredth 

Anniversary of the Admission 

OF Vermont as a State, 

At Bennington, August 19, A.D., 1891, 

f 
WITH AN 

HISTORIC INTRODUCTION AND APPENDICES. 



^UttBtmiBd. 



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PUBLISHED BY AUTHOBITY OF TEE CENTENNIAL 
COMMITTEE. 



BENNINGTON: Jv ^ 

Banner Book and Job Printing House. ■ ; 

1892. 



Copyright, 1892, 

By henry LEONARD STILLSON, 

Historian of the Centennial Committee. 






Letter-press "by C. A. Pierce, Bennington. 



Half-tone Engravings by Joliu Andrew & Son Company, Boston. 



Illustration Press-work by Berwick & Smith, Boston. 



Steel-plates Contributed. 






PREFACE. 



At a joint meeting of the State Committee, appointed by Act 
No. 175, of the Laws of 1890, and the Citizens Committee of Fifty 
(See page 66), held in Rutland on the evening of November 25, 
1891, the undersigned was elected Historiographer of the Committees 
aforesaid. Measures were also taken at that meeting to publish 
this volume, which should serve as an official record of the subjects 
embodied in its title page. 

Between the celebrations of August 19, 1891, and the date of 
this meeting there had arisen a great demand for such a work. 
Prominent gentlemen had repeatedly written to Governor Page; 
and, also, to others of the Official Committee, asking that a brochure 
of the Centennial and Monument Dedication be prepared imme- 
diately, and published. The press of the State, and the city press of 
New England and New York, joined in the suggestion. The St. 
Albans Messenger probably stated this demand in a crystalized 
form when it said : ^ Q 

" The events at Bennington have furnished to the newspapers 
of the country abundant material to fill their columns with, topics 
for reviews of a century or more, and comparisons ; which opportuni- 
ties have been utilized. These things, brought together, constitute 
the ' Alpha and Omega ' of Vermont, so far as the present is con- 
cerned ; starting out from Bennington and focussing again at the 
same point. The history of Bennington is more largely the history 
of the State than that of any other single town. It was the first 
town organized, and the independent and courageous spirit there 
developed, gave direction to the Commonwealth. The full story, 
when once entered upon, is a task for books and books, far beyond 
the capacity of any newspaper published, and especially is beyond 
the limits of any State paper. Some papers have gone more into 
details than others ; yet, in the comparison, the most elaborate 
publications have been brief." 

The space given to the event, by the newspapers, had made it 
widely known. The number and prominence of the people engaged 
as hosts and guests, the action taken by Legislative bodies, all 
tended to confirm the popular idea that this celebration was second 
to none that had preceded it ; if, indeed, it was not the crowning 
feature of the century in New England. The succeeding pages are 
the outcome of these circumstances and suggestions. 

The " Plan of the work," as shown by the " Table of Contents," 



iv PREFACE. 

divides the volume into four parts, viz. : (a) An Historic Introduc- 
tion, wherein is set forth in narrative form, mainly, the principal 
events leading up to the dual Celebration of August, 1891, with the 
documentary history most readily suggested ; the whole comprising 
an explanation of the events commemorated, (b) Part I. is the 
body of the work, and may be called the "History" itself, (c) 
Part II. is the story, in extenso, and includes the details ; separted 
from Part I. so that the reader will not be obliged to read a mas^ of 
incidental matters in connection with the account of the ceremonies, 
(d) The Appendix, which takes up the subjects auxiliary, and con- 
cludes the whole. The Editor claims that the plan is original and 
that the aim has been to state all the facts at his command in a con- 
cise and impartial manner. That mistakes may be found is 
admitted, but after eight months of care and painstaking labor, both 
in the matter of the text and the illustrations, this volume is confi- 
dently submitted to the verdict of History. 

Acknowledgments. — The undersigned courteously acknowledges 
the obligation he is under to his brethren of the Guild Editorial ; to 
the Librarian of the Bennington Free Library, for the use of valuable 
historical works, such as "Governor and Council," "Hall's Ver- 
mont," " Vermont Historical Society's Publications " ; and to others 
whose names appear in the body of the work ; to C. D. Cook & 
Company, caterers, and P. M. Yale c% Company, of Boston, for facts 
embodied in their respective departments, etc. ; to Messrs. J. M. 
Francis & Son, of the Troy, N. Y. Times^ for the use of the engrav- 
ings : " Monument Avenue," etc. (page 8), and the "Swift House" 
(page 20) ; and, last but not least, for the elegant pen-drawings of 
the "Catamount Tavern," and the "Old First Church." The 
former was contributed to this work by Mrs\ J. G. McCullough, from 
a sketch she made of the building while it was yet standing ; and 
the latter was drawn by her daughter. Miss Ella S. McCullough. 

The Editor believes that the illustrations of this work, fifty-five 
in number, will contribute in no small degree to the interest of the 
reader. Henry Leonard Stillson. 

"The Study," Bennington, Vt., June 14, 1892. 



CONTENTS. 
HISTORIC IXTRODUCTION. 

REASONS FOR THE CELEBRATIONS. 

PAGE. 

Supplemental to the main body of this "work. Complete in four Divisions 9 — 63 

DIYISIOX I. 

The Celebrations of Bennington Battle ; First Speech and First Poem, with a sketch 

of the Orator and Poet ; Reminiscences and Recollections 9 

DIYISIOX II. 

The Battle Monument, and Events leading up to its Erection ; Legislative Acts of 

A.D., 1853, and A.D., 1876 ; " 77 " in this History ; Resume of Monument History, 29 

DIVISION III. 

The Ceremonies of Laying the Corner-Stone August 16, A.D., 1887, and the Cope-Stone 

November 25, A.D., 1889 42 

DIYISIOX lY. 

The Independent State of Vermont ; The story of its Settlement, and Admission to the 

Union 53 



PART I. 

THE DEDICATION CEREMONIES. 

The Dedication of the Bennington Battle Monument, and the Centennial Celebration 

of the Admission of Vermont into the Union, Complete in four Chapters 63 — 133 

CHAPTER I. 

The Acts passed by the States of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts ; The 

Preparation made for the Event 63 

CHAPTER II. 

The Grand Procession, and Incidents Attending its Line of March ; The Triumphal 

Arch ; Decorations, and Salute 68 

CHAPTER III. 

The Dedicatory, and Centennial Exercises, including the Introductory Remarks, Prayer 
by the Chaplain, Address of Welcome, Transfer of the Monument to the State, its 
Acceptance in behalf of the Commonwealth, the Centennial Ode (page 146), The 
Oration, Address by The President, the Benediction, and Description of the 
Monument 77 

CHAPTER lY. 
The Banquet, and Postprandial Addresses 103 



vi CONTENTS. 

PART II. 

THE CELEBRATIONS IN DETAIL. 

Proceedings at Headquarters during tlie Bennington Centennial ; Sunday in " Camp 
Vermont," and in the Town during the Sixteenth ; Auxiliary Events, and Docu- 
mentary History ; Our Guests at the Centennial ; Special Trains, etc. Complete in 
five Chapters 133—183 

CHAPTER I. 

Government Headquarters, and Centennial Sunday ; Historic and Memorial Sermon. . . 133 

CHAPTER II. 

Introductory and Incidental Events ; Arrival of The President ; Dinner at General 

McCullough's ; The Guard of Honor ; The Review, and Subsequent Exercises 139 

CHAPTER III. 

Details of the Banquet, and the Pyrotechnics 147 

CHAPTER lY. 

Auxiliary Events, and Documentary History ; The Organizations Participating, — 
Knights Templars, the " K. T. Train," Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Regi- 
mental Reunion, John A. Logan Mounted Post, the Grand Army of the Republic, 
Sons of the American Revolution, New Hampshire and IMassachusetts at the Cen- 
tennial, Exchange of Courtesies, etc 154 

CHAPTER Y. 

Our Guests at the Centennial ; Excerps from Letters of Regret, etc. , 175 



APPENDIX. 

CAMP VERMONT AND CONCLUDING NOTES. 

The City of Tents ; " Camp Vermont " ; The National Guard at Bennington during the 
Week of the Dedication of the Monument ; Rosters of Militia, and Delegations not 
Heretofore-Mentioned ; Closing Particulars 183—201 

Index 201—203 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



OPPOSITE PAGE. 



Benningtox Battle Monument (Frontispiece), - - - 1 

Historic Subjects. 
PoKTEAiT OF General John Stark {The Hero of Bennington), 24 
The Old First Church [Erected A.I)., 1763— '66), - - 134 
The " Swift House " {Said to have teen erected in 1763), - - 20 
The Catamount Tavern, ------- 52 

M.o^v^i^'i^ii Kyy^^^sy. {Catamount Monument in foreground), - 8 
General Stark's Statue {Concord, N. H.), - - - 172 

Old Constitution House, ----__- 56 

" Camp Vermont " {Monument in the Distance), - - - 182 
The Triumphal Arch, A.D., 1891, - 74 

Government Representation and Centennial Fhercises. 
Benjamin Harrison {President, U. S. A.), - - - - 96 

HiRAT^L A. Tjjtti^b {Govejmor of JVeic iram2?shire), - - - 112 
Wi'l-liam'E. IIjjssbi.1. {Governor of JIassachusetts), - - 108 

Carroll S. Page {Governor of Ver7no7it), - - - - 62 

Wbm^i.oc^ G.Y'EAZ^Y {President of the Day), - - - 78 
Benjamin F. Prescott {President 3Ionument Association), - 42 

Edward J. Phelps ( Orator), ------- 84 

Ret. Charles Parkhurst, D.D. ( Chaplain), - - - - 80 

Official State Committee. 
Carroll S. Page {Governor of Vermont), - - - . - 62 

Hos^eaMa^n, J B. {Speaker of the Sbicse), 88 

Henry F. Field {State Treasurer), 92 

Chauncey W. Brownell, Jr. '{Secretary of State), - - - 104 

Special Appointments. 
Brigadier-General Wm. L. Greenleaf {Chief Marshal), - 70 
Theodore S. Peck {Adjutant- General of Vermont), - - - 140 
Dr. Wm. SE^VARD Webb {Specicd A. D. C. to The President), 164 
Captain Levi K. Fuller {Artillery), 44 

The Banquet — Postprandial Speakers. 
Wheelock G. Yeazey {President of the Day), - - - 78 
Benjamin Harrison {President, XT. S. A^, - - - - 96 

William E. Russell ((xouenzor o/*JiassacAw5e^^s), ' - - 108 
^Y&A-^ A. H^^TT-LE {Governor of JSfeio Hampshire), - - - 112 



viii LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 

General Oliver Otis Howard {JJ, S. A.)^ ... - 114 

General Russell A, Alger, - - - - - - - 116 

Redfield Proctor {Secretary of TFar), 118 

General Alex. S.Webb, -..---.. 120 

General J. G. McCullough, 122 

Hon. Alex. H. Rice, - - - - ' 124 

Colonel Albert Clarke, - ...._. 126 

Hon. E. B. Sherman, 128 

Major Charles H. Bartlett, ...... 130 

Hon. Edwin S. Barrett, ...---.. 132 

Directors of the Battle Monument Association. 

Benjamin F. Prescott {President)^ 42 

Olin Scott {Secretary)., 48 

Hiram A. Tuttle {Governor of New Hampshire., ex officio)., - 112 

V^M.^E^.^jj^^-Ei^i. {Governor of Massachusetts^ ex officio)., - 108 

Carroll S. Page {Governor of Vermont^ ex officio), - - - 62 

Hon. Henry G. Root ( Chairman Building Committee)., - 28 

Major Alonzo B. Valentine {of the Building Committee)., - 36 

General John G. McCullough, --.._- 122 

Hon. Milo C. Huling {of the Building Committee)., - - - 40 

Colonel Lyman F. Abbott, 148 

Hon. James K. Batchelder, 32 

Dr. John T. Shurtleff, 156 

Mr. Charles E. Dewey, 136 

Architect., and Contractor. 

J. Philipp Rinn {Architect of the Monument)., - - - 98 

^YLJAKM.^.y^ A.^V) {Builder of the MoniLment)., - - - - 100 

Executive., of the Citizens Committee of Fifty. 

John V. Carney {President), - 64 

Edward L. Bates {Secretary), 146 

John S. Holden {Finance), 152 

William C. Bull {Decorations), 76 

Edward D. Bennett ( Transportation), 68 

Henry T. Cushman 2nd. {Entertainment), .... 174 

Irving E. Gibson ((7arna^es), 144 

Asaph P. Childs {Pyrotechnics), 150 

Henry L. Stillson, Historiographer {Printing), - - - 192 

Civic Societies. 
General Jno. C. Underwood {Commander of the Patriarchs 
Militant ; Jerome W. Goodell, Grand Master of Vermont, 

I. 0. 0. F., and five other Gravid Masters), - - - 160 



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HISTORIC INTRODUCTION. 



The Celebrations of Bennington Battle ; First Speech and First Poem^ 
with a Sketch of the Orator and Poet ; Reminiscences and Recollec- 
tions. The Battle Monument^ and Events leading up to its Erection ; 
Legislative Acts of A.D., 1853, and, A.D., 1876/ "77" in this 
History. The Ceremonies of Laying the Corner-stone August 16, 
A.D., 1887, and. the Cope-stone November 25, A. D., 1889/ 
Vermont as an Lndependent State. 



DIVISION I. 

The Celebratioxs of Bexxin^gtox Battle. 

The first anniversary of the battle was celebrated, at Bennmg- 
ton, August 16, 1778. Tradition says that the exercises took place 
on the grounds that are now the site of the Battle Monument. 
Whether this is authentic, or not, it is a reasonable probability. In 
later years it was a common custom to form a procession on the spot 
where the monument stands, march to the " Old First Church " edi- 
fice, situated on the plateau below the "Robinson " homestead, there 
listen to the oration, and march back to the " State Arms " hotel, 
where the banquets were served, and toasts responded to. Such 
may have been the proceedings on the memorable occasion of 1778. 

Referring to the first, and subsequent, celebrations of Benning- 
ton Battle, the Vermont Historical Society says, in its " Collections," 
Vol. L, page 257 : " The Battle of Bennington was fought August 
16, 1777, and its anniversaries have ever since been observed as 
holidays in that, and, sometimes, also in the neighboring towns, and 
have been celebrated with all the demonstrations of rejoicing that 
are usual through the country on ' Independence Day '; such as the 
discharge of cannon, the display of banners, military parades, pro- 
cessions with music, orations and public dinners." 

The Orator of the "First Celebration" was Noah Smith, A.B., 
and the Poet was Stephen Jacob ; both, afterward, famous at the 
Bar and on the Bench of Vermont, their adopted State. Both 
were graduates of Yale University, class of 1778, and among their 
class-mates were men who, like themselves, became highly dis- 



10 HIS TORIC IN Tit OD UC TIO N. 

tinguished. Among these we name : Joel Barlow, author of the 
Columhiad^ and Minister to the Court of France; Oliver Wolcott, ' 
Secretary of the Treasury under Washington, and Governor of Con- 
necticut ; Uriah Tracy, a distinguished United States Senator from 
Connecticut; Zephaniah Swift, Chief Judge; and Ashur Miller, 
Judge of the Supreme Court of Connecticut, and Noah Webster, the 
great Lexicographer ; besides many others, members of Congress or 
great political leaders at the beginning of this century. 

From the Historical Society's publications we excerpt a brief 
sketch of Judge Smith: "Noah Smith was admitted to the Bar of 
the Superior Court of the State, at Westminster, in May, 1779; was 
at the same term appointed State's Attorney, pro tempore, for Cum- 
berland County, and was innnediately eng.iged in his official capacity 
in the prosecution of a number of the adherents of New York, who 
had been concerned in resisting the authority of the State, and 
whose conviction he procured. Having settled in Bennington he 
was, soon afterward, appointed State's Attorney for Bennington 
County, which office he held for several years. He was a Judge of 
the Supreme Court for five years prior to 1801, and he w^as also 
Collector of the United States Internal Revenue under the adminis- 
tration of President Washington. Israel Smith, his younger 
brother, read law with him in Bennington ; began practice at Ku- 
pert, removed to Rutland, and became Governor of the State in 
1807." Noah Smith was born at Suffield, Connecticut, January 27, 
1756, and settled in Bennington in 1779. He removed to Milton 
soon after the year 1800, where he died December 24, 1812. 

The " History of Freemasonry and Concordant Orders," 1891, 
page 236, says : " The first Grand Master was the first orator at the 
first celebration of Bennington Battle. Under date of Thursday, 
November 28, 1889, The Banner ( a local newspaper ), repnrtijig 
the laying of the cope-stone of the Beimington monument (the cor- 
ner-stone of which was laid by the Grand Lodge of Vermont, 
August 16, 1887), said: 'This monument com uie.m orates more 
than- a local engagement Df "embattled farmers" with the traiued 
troops of proud Britain. We have alluded to it as the " turning- 
point " in the Revolution. The orator of the first celebration of the 
Battle of Bennington, Noah Smith, Esq., said on August 16, 1778: 
" To the etiects of this action must be attributed in a considerable 
^^g\^Q the series of successes which have attended our arms." How 
truthful were his prophetic words [1778] : " This establishes our 
iitdepeHdence, and must soon put a period to the calamities of war." 
Standing, then, in the immediate presence of the fruits of that 
•engagement, he fully recognized the debt of gratitude due to those 



THE BEGISI VE BA TTLE. 1 1 

who had accomplished such a victory ; and, commenting further, 
'says; "Are these the effects of tlie Battle of Bennington ? Are 
these the prospects which attend the Republic of America? Then 
what laurels are due to General Stark and those bold assertors of 
liberty whose determined resolution and undaunted courage effected 
the salvation of our country?" Brother Smith was then fresh from 
collegiate honors at Yale. A few years later, after having ascended 
the ladder of judicial fame in this State, he assisted in forming the 
Grand Lodge of Vermont, and was its first Grand Master, h(^lding 
the office and discharging its duties with credit to himself and 
honor to the Fraternity, from 1794 to 1797. It was eminently fit- 
ting, therefore, that his fraternal successor, Colonel Alfred A. Hall, 
Grand JVIaster of Freemasons, should lay the corner-stone on the 
battle anniversary in 1887, and that the flag of that society should 
float from the cope-stone on Monday.' " 

Hon. Russell S. Taft has lately prepared an interesting biog- 
raphy of Stephen Jacob, the "Twentieth Judge of the Vermont 
Su^Dreme Court." He refers to the famous trial, on account of a 
negro slave, Dinah, reported in 2 Tyler's Reports, page 192, and 
adds : " It is a singular coincidence that Judge Jacob, one who 
brought a slave into the State, with his title in writing, should have 
been succeeded by the unlettered Republican, Theophilus Harring- 
ton, who, to remand a slave back into bondage, ruled that the 
claimant must trace his title back to the original proprietor, and 
required as evidence a bill of sale from the Almighty." 

Hon. Wm. P. Baxter, of Chicago, 111., by whose authority we 
give the dates in Judge Jacob's life, has thoroughly investigated the 
early history of this Vermont jurist and first Bennington Battle 
Poet. Stephen Jacob was born in Sheffield, Mass., December 7, 
1755, and died at Windsor, Vermont, June 27, 1816. Judge Taft 
says : "I think no one in this State ever rose more rapidly in the 
legal profession than he. The county court was not established in 
Windsor County until 1781, and from that time until his elevation 
to the Chief Judgeship of that court in 1797, he was counsel in sub- 
stantially all the litigation in that part of the State. At the 
October term, 1782, his name appears as counsel in forty-six of the 
fifty-eight cases, and he may have been counsel in more, as the 
names of counsel are not in all cases given." Judge Jacob repre- 
sented Windsor in the General Assembly on several occasions, was 
one of the Council of Censors in 1785, and was appointed one of the 
Commissioners as to a "Jurisdictional or boundary line between the 
State of New York and the State of Vermont; and to adjust and 
finally determine, all and every matter or thing wdiich, in anywise, 



12 HISTORIC INTR OD UCTION. 

obstructs a union of this State with the United States," in 1789. 
He was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1793, a State 
Councillor for five years, ending in 1800; and a Judge of the 
Supreme Court in 1801 and 1802. 

The speech and poem at the celebration of the victory at Ben- 
nington, August 16, 1778, were printed at Hartford, Connecticut, in 
1779, and are accompanied by a " Vote of Thanks," signed by Jonas 
Fay, "Clerk of the Committee," furnishing us with the only clue we 
now have to the movers in that event. It reads as follows : " The 
committee (consisting of five), chosen by the people who composed 
the audience, return their thanks to Messrs. Noah Smith and 
Stephen Jacob for their agreeable orations delivered in commemora- 
tion of the battle fought at Bennington on the memorable 16th of 
August, 1777, and desire a copy thereof for the press." 

The text of the " Speech" and "Poem" is furnished for this 
Centennial Volume by Hon. W. P. Baxter, from an original pam- 
phlet in his possession, and is as follows : 

A Speech Delivered at Bennin^gtox on the Anniversary of the 
16th of August, 1777, by Noah Smith, A.B. — Hartford: 
Printed by Watson & Goodwin, mdcclxxix. 

Oration by Noah Smith. — The history of America during the 
last twelve months relates events favorable to a degree which has 
exceeded our expectations, established our independence and aston- 
ished the world. Among which none have been more signal than 
that which happened on the memorable 16th of August, 1777, of 
which this is the anniversary. 

The recollection of past events, whether merciful or afflictive, 
often produces a good effect in the human mind, by leading it to 
view the operations of that Being by whose permission all judg- 
ments are inflicted and to whose benignity all deliverances must be 
attributed. 

It is presumed that the history of these Northern campaigns is 
so fresh in the memory of eveiyone present, that a repetition of it 
would be neither entertaining nor instructive ; therefore, waiving 
the description of the progress of our arms into Canada, and of the 
defeat and death of the brave General Montgomery, which was pro- 
ductive of the most precipitant and confused retreat, we need only 
mention that Ticonderoga was adjudged a proper place to make 
opposition. 

This being by its natural situation the key of the country, to 
maintain it — was the determination of every man who wished well 
of America. 



THE DECISl VE BA TTLE. 13 

For more than fourteen months, while this was the object, no 
sums were too great to be exjDended and no fatigue too painful to be 
endured ; so that when the third campaign was opened, the works 
were so completely finished, the store-houses so amply supplied with 
provisions, the lines so sufficiently manned, and the whole country so 
ready to fly to their assistance upon any emergency, that it was 
thought nothing bat the infernal hands of cowardice or treachery 
could have delivered them into the enemy's possession. 

Under these circumstances the people in this department, not 
considering that disappointments are common to mankind in a state 
of imperfection, pursued their business with no less security than 
diligence. 

But a train of evils, which at this time like a mighty torrent 
rushed in upon us, soon discovered how vain and unscriptural it is 
to trust in fortiflcatious, for within eight days after Burgoyne 
appeared upon the Lake, he found means to possess himself of the 
forts, which laid our numerous army under a necessity of fleeing 
before him, and filled the whole country with consternation and 
amazement. 

In this condition every battle he attempted was succeeded by 
victory and every advance he made was conquest. 

The inhabitants of the Northern districts for more than one 
hundred miles in length were obliged to quit everything they pos- 
sessed, and for subsistence had no other dependence but the 
benignity of heaven and the charity of their countrymen. 

Whenever we had intelligence from our army, it was marked 
by defeat and discouragement ; so that^ some, to their shame be it 
spoken, exclaimed, had not Ave better submit to anj^ imposition than 
to be driven from everything we possess ? Notwithstanding this town 
was then esteemed an asylum, yet the sagacity of the Honorable 
Council, then sitting at this place, induced them to be apprehensive 
of an attack and prompted them to dispatch advices to the neighbor- 
ing States for the purpose of procuring assistance. 

In consequence of which. General Stark, who was here to com- 
plete the edifice of his glory, arriving from New Hampshire at the 
head of a detachment of the noble and spirited militia of that State, 
was welcomed to the command. But a special order for him to join 
the main body at Stillwater gave rise to new apprehensions. 

Under these circumstances, intelligence of the enemy's approach 
was received. If it be proper to judge of futurity by past events, 
nothing could now be expected but panic, retreating and confusion. 
But with that magnanimity of soul, which is ever the characteristic 
of real greatness, those patriots who composed the Council at that 



14 HISTORIC INTR OD UCTIOK 

time, deliberately laid the plan which their penetration assured 
them would be the destruction of the enemy. Having induced 
General Stark to return, they were indefatigable in adopting such 
measures as might conduce to the success of the enterprise. 

A length of time had now elapsed sufficient for the arrival of a 
number of respectable militia from the adjacent towns in this State 
and that of Massachusetts. The exertions of the people in Berk- 
shire County were extraordinary on this occasion and merited them 
particular honor. In convening, resolution, like electric fire, difl'used 
itself through the whole body of the troops, while bravery marked 
the countenance, and patriotism glowed in the breast of every 
individual. 

" The wise new prudence from the wise acquire, 
" And one brave liero fans another's fire." 

Prompted by their apprehensions, the enemy, having made 
choice of the most advantageous ground, began at this time to 
entrench. But so determined were our forces, that no circumstance 
of superiority in number, of perfection of discipline, or of finished 
entrenchments was sufficient to bring discouragement to their view. 

Stark gave the command, the attack was made, the entrench- 
ments stormed, and the enemy defeated. What miracles will 
resolution and perseverance effect ! 

That an undisciplined militia, without the assistance of a single 
field piece, should, in the face of cannon, confront an enemy almost 
double in number, and drive them from their entrenchments, marks 
the determination of Americans, and affords an instance of bravery 
without precedent in history. 

Soon after this the enemy, being reinforced, renewed the attack, 
and from the dictates of despair fought with persevering intrepidity, 
which in any other circumstances must have been the attainment of 
their wishes. In this critical moment the arrival of Colonel War- 
ner's regiment, by adding to the spirit of the men as well as to their 
numbers, completed the victory. Boast then, ye gasconading 
Britons, that two thousand of your men can effect a march from 
Saratoga to Springfield, for this action has evinced that a Stark, a 
Warner and a Herrick, with a number of men little more than half 
equal to yours, could, by the assistance of heaven, defeat your enter- 
prise upon the first attempt, and make two-thirds of your body 
prisoners. 

But I check this language because gasconade is no mark of brav- 
ery. The fame of this action spread through every part of America, 
and was productive of the most salutary effects hi raising the spirits 
of our army, which was worn out by fatigues and hardships, and in 
depressing those of the enemy, which for a long time had been 



THE BEG I SI VE BA TTLE. 1 5 

flushed with victory. This battle being a prelude to those fought at 
Stillwater, which were the immediate harbingers of Burgoyue's 
resignation, had a powerful operation in effecting that event, which 
was really the most memorable and glorious that ever graced the 
annals of America. 

Can it be thought possible that the heroism of a few hundred 
Green Mountain Boys, by being exhibited when the whole country 
was depressed by retreats and misfortunes, should effect the resig- 
nation of a general who commanded ten. thousand men, and operate 
the total dissolution of his army ? To the effects of this action must 
be attributed, in a considerable degree, that series of successes \^'hich 
for the year past has constantly attended our arms, and which has 
made America so respectable among the nations, that one of the 
most potent itionarchs in the world has not thought it derogatory to 
court her alliance. 

This establishes our independence and must soon put a period 
to the calamities of war. Are these the effects of the Battle of Ben- 
nington ? Are these the prospects which attend the Republic of 
America? Then what laurels are due to Stark and those bold 
assertors of liberty whose determined resolution and undaunted 
courage eff'ected the salvation of their country "? 

But in a speech of this kind it would be impious not to make 
ascription of the sublimest praise to that God whose kingdom is 
over all: ''Had not the Lord been on our side when men rose up 
against us, they had swallowed us up quick." The success of that 
day is not to be attributed to the skill of the officers, and the 
prowess of the soldiers, but to the interposition of heaven. That 
Omnipotent Being who has been pleased to style himself the God of 
Armies, inspired our troops with intrepidity, and directed their 
charge in such a manner that opposition could produce nothing but 
carnage and immediate death. 

Those heroes who were active that day were the instruments 
by which our deliverance was effected, but God was the author. To 
Him, therefore, let the first and most grateful tribute be paid. As 
the victory was complete, let the song of praise be sincere and 
universal. It becomes all to unite in this glad work, even those 
whose nearest friends were numbered with the slain. By yielding 
themselves a sacrifice to the flagitious exertions of t3"ranny, they 
discovered a stability of sentiments in the cause of freedom, and 
sealed it with their blood. It was a custom among the ancients to 
canonize those who fell in battle, and to send them immediately to 
the Elysian fields. This was productive of good eft'ect among the 
soldiers, as it made them believe that to die in battle was only to 



16 HISTORIC INTR OB ITC TION. 

enter upon a more happy state. " It is sweet and glorious to die for 
one's country," was a maxim which they firmly believed. 

In fighting, the death of some is necessary, even on the side of 
victory ; and that individual who would not resign his life for the 
salvation of his country must be possessed of a soul the most partial 
and contracted. There is, therefore, no just cause of laaientation 
to those whose friends were slain, for by their deaths our country 
was saved. Since that event, the situation of affairs in this North- 
ern department has been very different. The hurry and bustle of 
war are now succeeded by the sweets of tranquility and retirement. 
Those who by the savage cruelty of the enemy were driven from 
their habitations are now returned to a peaceful and flourishing 
settlement, and instead of those horrors and depredations which are 
inseparable from all wars, and with which this has been particularly 
marked, all have now the glorious prospect of a permanent and 
uninterrupted peace. When this takes place, the necessity of main- 
taining so numerous an army will cease, our currency will again 
revert to its proper value, and thousands will resort to this State 
with designs of making it the phice of their residence; all the ave- 
nues of commerce will be laid open, and the inestimable blessings of 
government established. Then, if we may be allowed to put a 
literal construction upon the enraptured prophecy of Isaiah : '' The 
wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them ; and the 
desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose." 

Title Fage of Poem. — A Poetical Essay Delivered, at Ben- 

NINGTOX, on the ANNIVERSARY OF THE 16tH OF AuGUST, 1777, BY 

Stephen Jacob, 1778 ; Hartford : Printed by Watson & Good- 
win, MDCCLXXIX. 

Where blood-bought fame the glowing sage inspires, 
Where thirst of glorious death the patriot fires, 
Where future scenes in happier prospect rise. 
Where griefs are sooth'd and grating discord flies. 
Springs the rich theme that wakes the enraptured song 
Which claims an audience of the assembled throng. 
When angry faction rolling from afar 
Burst on our shores, and spread the flame of war, 
Rous'd fair Columbia with its dread alarms. 
And bid her sons indignant rush to arms, 
This infant State, where beasts of midnight howl'd, 
Ranged the broad waste and thro' lone deserts prowl'd, 
And this fair town where feline monsters stray'd, 
Broke from their dens and on the helpless prey'd, 
Their martial oft'ering to their country gave, 
To share its victories or a glorious grave. 
Up-sprung the heroes from their new abode, 



THE DECISIVE BA TTLE. 17 

Inspired by freedom and by freedom's God, 
With heaven -born vigor drove the oppressors forth^ 
And crop't tiie-first blown laurels of the North ; 
Nor could a tyrant's rage or fetters bind 
The unconquered Allen's more unconquered mind. 
He rose superior to the chills of fear, 
Disdaining threats, defy'd the uplifted spear. 
When shifting victory flushed the adverse fight, 
When war's pale torch displayed a glim'ring light. 
When fear our less'ning band inspired, 
The foe advanced and back our arms retir'd ; 
When to this trembling seat our troops were driven^ 
Like hosts subdu'd or disapprov'd of heaven, 
That dread Supreme whose thundering terrors roll. 
Dart from the storm and blast the guilty soul, 
Mark'd all our grief from his bright throne above, 
Ey'd T)ur distress and soften'd into love ; 
The foe's rash boasting in fierce anger heard, 
Pointed their fate and our cold bosom cheer'd, 
Then from his seat sublime sent Michael forth 
To rouse the ardor of the drooping North. 
In awful grandeur on the dusky storm 
Soon as commanded flew the ethereal form, 
Here in mid-heaven slow hov'ring on the wing, 
Diffus'd the ardor that he came to bring. 
As by the Eternal's conquering breath inspir'd, 
Vigor return'd and zeal each bosom fir'd. 
Swift to the field each blazing warrior flew. 
Each took his post and each his falchion drew, 
Each here giow'd to meet th' insulting foe, 
Resolved to fall or give the conquering blow. ; 
High o'er the hills th' ethereal seemed to sail, 
And from a cloud suspends the dubious scale. 
Where veil'd in darkness near the opposing foe, 
The signal given, forth rushed the martial train, 
Nor mountains, floods, or hosts their zeal restrain. 
Their shining arms a dazzling pomp display, 
Gleam o'er the vale and brighten on the day ; 
The adverse legions eye the trembling light, 
And flushed with conquest, rush amid the fight ; 
Our dauntless troops th' impetuous shock sustain, 
Burst through their ranks and multiply their slain ; 
Then back recoil like vanquish'd warriors driven. 
Now blaze afresh as reinspir'd by heaven, 
Now on the foe in leaden volleys pour, 
Now back on them the thundering cannon roar ; 
Now close engag'd the opposing heroes meet ; 
Now fly their hosts and ours again retreat. 
Thus long conceal'd the dubious victims lay. 
Till length'ning shades proclaim'd the setting day, 
When from our sight the angelic form withdrew, 
Up-poised the scale and back their sqtfadrons flew. 



18 HISTORIC INTR OD UGTION. 

Great Stark, a warrior from that day may claim, 
With the brave Herrick, an immortal fame ; 
To many more we'd grateful tributes pay 
Who fought, who conquer'd and who bled that day, 
And those firm souls, that new elected band, 
Which forms your Senate our best thanks demand. 
Their persevering minds 'mid thick alarms. 
Could sway the public and direct its arms. 
And 'midst the din of war and rough debate 
Fix the tii-m basis of a rising State. 
Yon bright'ning orb, whose beams the nations cheer, 
Has marked one circuit round the varied year 
Since those fair prospects first approached the sight 
Which greets our wond'ring eyes with pleasing light, 
When see fierce discord cease, see treason bleed. 
See war's rough tumult end, and peace succeed. 
Astonish'd strangers eye the new-born State 
W^heie Chittenden presides in each debate. 
Whose patriot mind no selfish views can charm, 
And whose mild bosom gen'rous passions warm, 
' Beneath Avhose eye see Science stretch her wing. 
Cheer the lone waste and make the desert sing. 
And heaven at last, tho' long it seems to frown, 
On its own sons confer a laurel crown. 
When war's rough genius fired the angry plain. 
Bade orphans weep and parents mourn their slain. 
Bade sorrowing thousands eye the empurpl'd field 
Where slaughter rag'd, m various forms reveal'd, 
Where countless warriors left their parting breath. 
And many a hero swelled the tide of death. 
We make a solemn pause to mourn those dead 
Whose fame shall live till grateful hearts are fled ; 
Who, to defend an iniur'd, bleeding land, 
Dar'd bleed themselves at heav'n's severe command. 
We mourn their fall, yet joy they once were here, 
'To show their country what they held most dear. 
Heroes thus bravely falling we deplore, 
Yet hail them welcome to th' immortal shore! 
Here blameless envy might with justice cry, 
^' Oh ! could I virtuous live, and like them die." 
Each matron, too, with ancient Sparta's dame. 
Whose son for freedom bled, might thus exclaim : 
^' For this I birth to that young warrior gave, 
*' That he by falling might a country save." 
Yet such rough firmness we but seldom find, 
And tenderness admiis the female mind. 
One sympathetic tear we'd now impart 
To soothe tlie parent's and the orphan's heart, 
Console the widow and th' alflicted maid, 
Whose dearest bliss beneath the dust is laid. 
For you who wail a tender oftspring dead. 
Whose sons for Freedom fought and nobly bled. 



THE DECISIVE BA TTLE. 19 

You, whose coinpanioiis met the fatal spear, 
We greatly mourn and drop the friendly tear. 
For you, fair virgins, who in beauty's bloon:i 
Fade into grief and wear a saddening gloom, 
In secret languish and your pains approve. 
Melt in distress and mourn your hapless love. 
We feel, we feel for you the tenderest pain. 
And floods of softness rush through every vein ! 
But stop I too fast these piercing sorrows roll, 
And spread a gloom o'er every feeling soul. 
Now led by fancy, burst the films of night, 
To future scenes extend the pleasing sight. 
Survey the paths your unborn sons shall tread 
When you're forgot and theirs, when you are dead, 
When Albion's less'n'd host shall disappear. 
Her rage grow mild and calm Columbia's fear, 
When the fair Olive shall her branch extend, 
And long lost Peace again from heaven descend, 
When fleets for traffic skim along the tide, 
Heave to our shores, or in safe harbors ride. 
Where with soft smiling commerce the}^ impart 
Th' ensnaring vices of each distant court. 
Where pam'r'd lux'ries with malignant breath 
Invade our shores and spread a moral death, 
Internal sweetness and domestic ease 

Here fix their gentle reign and spread the charms of peace» 
No tyrant here shall dare erect his throne, 
No griping landlord wake th' oppi-essed's groan, 
No cringing minion be for flatt'ry fed. 
No menial slave a haughty master dread. 
No hateful monster supplicate defense 
Who boasts his spoils of artless innocence, 
But injur'd virtue sinking in distress 
Fly here for safety and obtain redress. 
No jarring feuds revive the martial flame. 
Or war be known but as a transient name, 
No tender matron feel the pangs of fear, 
Or melting virgin drop the parting tear. 
No mourning consort of her fate complain, 
Or lisping infant weep a parent slain. 
But gentle friendship spread her balmy wing 
While music softens from the trembling string, 
Each youth excel in every noble art. 
Taste the pure blessings of an honest heart, 
Disdain the follies of a vicious age. 
And spurn deceit and meanness from the stage, 
Nor dare permit the polish'd tongue to speak 
What wakes a blush on virtue's modest cheek, 
•Or yield assistance with malicious joy 
To blast the fair and innocence destroy. 
But taught by heaven their generous aid extend, 
Protect the helpless and the weak defend. 



20 HIS TO ETC IN TI{ 01) UC TIO N. 

Kor these alone th' enraptiir'd tho'ts inspire, 
But fairer charms the glowing bosom fire. 
The heaven-born sweetness and an angel mind, 
With beauty's soft excess to sweetness joined, 
By wisdom taught the just distinction know 
'Twixt worthy merit and the fluttering beau, 
They scorn those vulgar arts that fools pursue. 
And stem the tide of custom to be true. 
There conscious virtue holds her gentle reign. 
And knows no fear but that of causing pain. 
To these blest scenes our fondest hopes extend. 
When discord flits and hated factions end, 
Long peaceful years in calm succession roil. 
And love of wisdom animates the whole ; 
Art and refinement wake and spread their charms, 
The youth in letters shine as now in arms. 
When many a fair adorns the polish'd page 
That beams instruction o'er the rising age. 
When warring sexes lay their arts aside 
And take fair virtue for their guiltless guide. 
When worth and grandeur in our bosom shine. 
And age and youth in sacred chorus join, 
Where none shall court the rich unpolished clown, 
On needy merit cast a sneering frown. 
Spurn from their presence the dejected poor. 
Or send the hungry fainting from their door, 
But heaven-born Freedom spread her wide domain, 
And Peace ancL Justice unmolested reign. 
Cold Poverty shall fly, nor want appear, 
But health and plenty every bosom cheer, 
The blooming mead, the hill and fertile plain 
Yield a rich blessing to th' industrious swain, 
The fatal steel destroy the noxious weed. 
And blushing orchards to their place succeed. 
The trackless waste, the rough, uncultur'd soil, 
And desolation's self be seen to smile. 
Where beasts of prey once found a safe abode 
Rise the fair temples of th' immortal God ; 
Where superstition's zeal obscur'd the day, 
Truth uncontested shine with piercing ray ; 
Where savage ignorance held her midnight reign, 
And bound whole nations in her gloomy chain. 
Unnumbered ages these blest scenes reveal. 
To guide the public and the private weal. 
Point to fair virtue her unbeaten road. 
And mark with censure hated foes to God ; 
Bid Science rise and stretch her bright'ning wand, 
To dash out darkness from this blissful land. 
None of that impious race shall then remain. 
Who bend the gospel to increase their gain, 
Who point to heaven. a new and nearer way. 
In unknown paths make erring mortals stray, 



THE DECISIVE BATTLE. 21 

Avoid Election as a theme too high ; 
Who preach up works, but pass repentance by, 
Leave Faith untaught, or to one sect confin'd. 
And damn the rest as heretics' and blind. 
But fair religion warns the hoary sage, 
And lib'ral tho'ts inspire the rising age, 
Pure Gospel truths in fall meridian blaze 
To gray hairs, wisdom, and to infants praise. 
Far distant climes the blissful tidings greet, 
Rough, boisterous sects in heavenly union meet. 
Swift gathering crowds in listening clusters throng, 
And hang impatient on the speaker's tongue, 
While th' calm teacher marks the glorious way, 
That leads to mansions of eternal day. 

Subsequent Celebratioxs. — The record made of the formal 
celebrations of the anniversaries of Bennington Battle, in the local 
newspapers, fully justifies the Historical Society's remark as to 
Independence Day. While it is evident that the greater observ- 
ances of the day were not wholly continuous, yet that each and every 
Sixteenth of August received proper notice is evidenced by the 
testimony of old men, those who, as boys, came with their fathers to 
Bennington whenever the date arrived. Some recognition of the 
august event was sure to be made. Another matter will attract 
attention in connection with this fact. Whenever a formal celebra- 
tion of the event was proposed, it was Bennington men, — the 
survivors of the battle, or their descendants, — who took the initiative 
upon the committees, and were prominent in the subsequent exer- 
cises. Nothing is plainer to be read from the records than this 
statement. While the celebrations were often er held in this town, 
yet the people of Shaftsbury, Pownal, Dorset, Sunderland, and Man- 
chester, in Vermont ; and Pleasant Valley (Hoosick, bordering upon 
West Bennington), the Battle Ground, White Creek (the portion 
near North Bennington, and the battle ground), held celebrations 
from time to time between the years 1795 and 1841. 

Since the "fifties" we find no record, but that of the people of 
Bennington, celebrating the victory of August 16, 1777. A resume 
of some of the more important celebrations is interesting, as an 
introduction to those of 1891. They partook of the nature of things 
agitating the public mind, at the time, after 1810. Before that 
period the usual escort was " Captain Robinson's cavalry," and 
*' Captain Safford's light infantry." As the years passed away it 
became, — in the newspaper record, — "General'" Robinson; and 
" Captain " Safford had, also been promoted. The troops com- 
manded by these worthies, actors in the battle, were, later, 
commanded by new men. When we repeat their names, below, 



22 HISTORIC INTR OD UC TION. 

each will be recognized as one of the prominent citizens of the town ; 
many of them, also, eminent in earl}^ Vermont affairs. Whenever 
the observances of the day partook of a purely political character, 
each party seemed to vie which should outdo the other. This led to 
great assemblies of people, and frequently to a two day's celebration. 
A detailed history, of these annual affairs, would disclose a most 
interesting phase of Vermont's people, and, sometime, it should b& 
written. 

The ninth anniversary was celebrated at Bennington in 1786. 
The guns fired at sunrise were fourteen ; thirteen for the Original 
States of the Union and one for the Independent State of Vermont. 
There was the procession, oration, banquet, toasts, responses, etc., 
spoken of above ; and a " dance " in the evening completed the day's 
doings. The emphatically patriotic nature of the exercises is shown 
by the subject of the oration : " A reflection on the Battle of Ben- 
nington, as a prelude to the establishment of our Independence," 
and the remark follows: "And the train of successes which fol- 
lowed was foremost in every man's mind, diffusing a general joy, 
and disposed the mind for reflection on the blessings of 
independence." 

The following year another large celebration was held to com- 
memorate the tenth anniversary. The same number of guns were 
fired at sunrise. The " Order of Procession " gives one an idea of 
the probable magnitude of the event. People for miles away dis- 
continued business, came to town, and participated. The marshals 
and aids, if there were any, are not given. Here is the order for the 

mornmg : Captain Robinson's Troop of Horse. 

Captain Safford's Light Infantry. 
These bodies escorted the procession from the court house ( mon- 
ument site), to the meeting house (Old First Church ; see also 
illustration of "Monument Avenue "), where orations were delivered 
by Joshua Hathaway and Anthony Haswell. In the afternoon, at the 
signal of thirteen guns for the Union, and one for the State of Ver- 
mont, a second and more pretentious procession was formed, in the 

following order : ^ , • -o . • , ^ , 

Captam Robm son's Cavalry. 

Captain Safford's Light Infantry. 

The Governor and Council. 

The Clergy. 

General Officers and their Aides. 

Field and other Officers and their Aides, of the First Brigade. 

Physicians and Surgeons of the Town, and First Brigade. 

Judges of the Supreme, and County Courts. 

Students of Clio Hall, Rev. Daniel Marsh, Rector. 

Other Organizations. 



THE DECISl VE BA TTLE. 23 

A summary of the oration has been preserved in these words : 
^'This victor}^, though comparatively small, yet was impor- 
tant in its consequence, being the dawn of light after a long series 
of disheartening events, and the first fatal check put to British 
power in America." 

In 1789, at Bennington, the day was given up to a sham fight. 
The military noted as participating were : Captain David Robin- 
son's troop of horse, Captain Safford's light infantry, two 
companies of Rangers, commanded by Lieutenant Ellsworth, and 
Lieutenant Eldredge. After the sham battle an oration was delivered 
by Anthony Hasweil in the Old First Church, a banquet was served 
at the State. x4rms hotel, and the quaint chronicler of that day closes 
by saying that " one man was hurt by the chace," referring, no 
doubt, to the miniature battle. This celebration is called, by 
another authority, an " Indian performance." 

The year 1790 has the first record of anyone outside of Ben- 
nington participating in the celebrations — Captain Wright's troop 
of horse, of Pownal, paraded with Maj. Robinson's command on 
that occasion. 

It would appear that in 1791, by common consent, all Western 
Vermont celebrated, at Rutland, March 21st, the Admission of the 
State into the Union, a more particular account of which appears in 
Division IV., of this "Introduction." At this time [1791] the first 
orator, Noah Smith, held the office of " Supervisor of Imports"; 
the first poet, Stephen Jacob, was "United States Attorney in Ver- 
mont" ; both were present at Rutland. 

In 1795 the towns of Manchester, Sunderland, and Dorset, 
united, at the first named place, in a celebration of Bennington's 
victory. In the parade were Captain Bradley's "two companies" 
of light 'infantry, and the subject of the oration was almost identi- 
cal, in its wording, with that at Bennington in 1787. 

In 1796 the people of Bennington and Pownal participated in a 
grand " wolf hunt." Full particulars are not given, but toward 
evening one trophy of the chase was duly presented before the 
assembled spectators, in what is now Monument Park, its skin was 
stretched to dry ; and, at the banquet, which followed, in State Arms 
hotel, notice was given that this v/olf skin was to be utilized for a 
drum head to use on future "Sixteenths." In 1798 the return visit 
of Bennington people, to Pownal, was made, the Governor of Ver- 
mont going down and making a speech. It is said that " A genteel 
escort, of Captain Powers's company of horse, was sent to Benning- 
ton to wait upon the Governor and party." 

The details of these earlier celebrations are exasperatingly 



24 SIS TORIC IN'TB OD UC TION. 

meagre. Those who could have told us -of them have long since 
passed from earth ; yet it is not too much to suggest that a people, 
fired with the enthusiasm evinced, between the lines of the few 
records that remain, could not let the eighteenth century close with- 
out some grander event than anyone of those of the twenty-two 
years immediately preceding. There seems to have been a spon- 
taneous uprising, in 1799, all along the line, to commemorate the 
Bennington victory. This enthusiasm was contagious, and we find 
that Hoosick people, in New York, awoke to the glories of the 
occasion in 1802. 

The celebration at Bennington was held " opposite State Arms." 
Large numbers of people assembled in other towns as follows, viz. : 
In Dorset, at the house of Samuel Collins ; in Manchester, and in 
Rupert. At Bennington sixteen toasts were proposed, drunk, and 
suitable responses made. We remark that the number of toasts, of 
all the earlier celebrations, ranged in number from fourteen to 
seventeen ; later on, and in this centurj^ the number was increased, 
often aggregating thirty or forty. Besides, on numerous occasions, 
impromptu, sentiments were often called for ; and, as given, with 
the quaint and witty responses, must have added greatly to 
the zest of these affairs. We quote five examples of regular toasts : 

1. "The Day, and the monuments it raised. It was the era 
of successful operation, and fixed the corner-stone of the fabric of 
Freedom. 

2. "The United States of America. May they never exchange 
the Eagle for a Crown. 

3. " The brave General Stark. May his praises be annually 
sung, and generations yet unborn hail him as their deliverer. 

4. " The brave Officers and Soldiers who fought and freed their 
country on this memorable day. 

5. " The heroes who fell in Bennington Battle, fighting for 
their country. They died gloriously. Such virtues are recorded in 
heaven." 

Generally, these, or similar sentiments, would be followed by : 
*'The Governor of Vermont ";" The Militia of Vermont "; "Our 
sister States of New Hampshire and Massachusetts," until the 
occasions began to partake of the political character mentioned, 
when each party added such toasts to stereotyped editions, as befit- 
ted the campaign in its August stage. 

The second " sham fight," as the principal event of the day, was 
participated in, near the battle ground, in 1802. It attracted people 
from all the towns surrounding. In 1805 the Committee of Arrange- 
ments, for the celebration, at Bennington, were : Ebenezer 




MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN STARK. 



Portrait made by order of the Legislature of New Hampshire, by U. D. Tenney, 
from original sketch made by Miss Hannah Crowninshield of Salem, Mass., 
A.D., 1810, he then being 82 years old. 



THE DECISIVE BAT TIE. 25 

Walbridge, Ephraim Smith, James Clark, Levi Smith, and Wilbur 
Blackmer. The following year (1806) the Governor and his Staff 
were present, and reviewed the militia. Among the toasts we note 
the following : "The patriots of Hampshire, and Berkshire: they 
bravely fought and bled with us in '77." 

In nearly all the reports preceding that of 1808, mention is 
made of the siirmvors of the battle. The procession, this year, so 
the local chronicler says, was graced by a sight not since seen. He 
says: "Agreeable to previous arrangement, a respectable number 
of ' 8ilv)er greys^ whose age exempted them from military duty, 
embodied under the direction of Major Eleazer Hawks," and partici- 
pated in the grand military event. The President of the Day was 
the Hon; Gideon Olin ; Vice-President, Hon. Jonathan Robinson. 

It may have been the sight of these " silver greys," and the 
events leading up to their historic parade, which created such a 
desire, in 1809, for the presence of General John Stark. The cele- 
bration, in 1809, was wholly political, but not out of accord with the 
General's views, as his letter pertinently shows. It will be noted^ 
in this connection, that the portrait of General Stark, which forms 
one of the illustrations of this volume, was sketched soon after 
this characteristic letter was penned. It was read by iVnthony 
Haswell, at a meeting held in the meeting house (the present 
structure, not the Old First Church of the illustration), the assem- 
bly being composed of the " Republican Freemen of Bennington, 
Shaftsbury, Pownal, and the adjacent towns," and elicited great 
enthusiasm. General Stark's communication was as follows : 

At My Quarters, 

Derryfield, 31st July, 1809. 

My Friends., and Fellow Soldiers: — I received yours of the 
22nd, instant, containing your fervent expressions of friendship, 
and your very polite invitation to meet with you, to celebrate the 
16tli of August, in Bennington. 

As you observe, I " can never forget, that " I " commanded 
American Troops " on that day in Bennington, — They were men 
that had not learned the art of submission, nor had they been 
trained to the art of war. But our " astonishing success " taught 
the enemies of Liberty, that undisciplined freemen are superior to 
veteran slaves. And 1 fear w^e shall have to teach the lesson anew 
to that perfidious nation. 

Nothing could afford me more pleasure than to meet "the Sons 
of Liberty " on that fortunate spot. But as you justly anticipate, 
the infirmities of old age will not permit ; for I am now four-score 
and one years old, and the lamp of life is almost spent. I have of 
late had many such invitations, but was not ready, for there was 
not oil enough in the lamp. 

You say you wish your young men to see me, but you who have 



26 HIS TOBIC INTR OD UC TIOJST. 

seen me can tell them, that I never was worth much for a show, 
and certainly cannot be worth their seeing now. 

In case of my not being able to attend, you wish my sentiments, 
— them you shall have as free as the air we breathe. As I was 
then, I am now — The friend of the equal rights of men, of repre- 
sentative Democracy, of Republicanism, and the Declaration of 
Independence, the great charter of our National rights: — and of 
course the friend of the indissoluble union and constitution of the 
States. I am the enemy of all foreign influence, for all foreign 
influence is the influence of tyranny. This is the only chosen spot 
of Liberty, — this is the only Eepublic on earth. 

You well know, gentlemen, that at the time of the event you 
celebrate, there was a powerful British faction in the country 
(called Tories), and a material part of the force we had to contend 
wdth was [at Bennington, Hoosick] Tories. This faction was rank- 
ling in our councils, till they had laid the foundation for the 
subversion of our liberties. But by good sentinels at our outposts, 
we were apprised of our danger : and the Sons of Freedom beat the 
alarm, — and, as at Bennington, "They came, they saw, they con- 
quered." But again the faction has rallied to the charge, and again 
they have been beaten. 

It is my orders now, and will be my last orders to all volun- 
teers, to look well to their sentries ; for there is a dangerous British 
party in this country, lurking in their hiding places, more danger- 
ous than all our foreign enemies. And whenever they shall appear 
openly, to render the same account of them that was given at Ben- 
nington, let them assume what name they will: not doubting that 
the ladies will be as patriotic, in furnishing every aid, as they were 
at Bennington in '77, who even dismantled their beds to furnish 
cords to secure and lead them off. 

I shall remember, gentlemen, the respect you, and "the inhabi- 
tants of Bennington and its neighborhood," have shewn me, till I 
go to the country from which no traveller e'er returns. I must soon 
receive marching orders. Johx Stark. 

P. S. T will give you my volunteer toast: "Live free or die: 
Death is not the greatest of evils." 

Hon. Gideon Olin, Jonathan Robinson, and David Fay= 

In 1810, and, again in 1821, celebrations were held in which the 
adjacent towns in Vermont, and New York, united with Bennington 
in exercises on the battle ground. In 1810 it was estimated that 
three thousand "freemen" came together. In that parade the 
artillery of Hoosick, and Pittstown, N. Y., had a place. A flag-staff 
was raised, and " flags floated on the grounds of General Stark's 
encampment." The record says : " The Battle of Bennington was 
commemorated, near the field of conquest, by the Republican free- 
men of the counties adjacent." A description of the principal flag 
has been preserved : " On one side was represented a descending 
eagle, bearing in its beak the emblem of Peace. In its clutched 
talons it held the emblems of War, — indicating a wish for peace, 



THE DECISIVE BA TTLE. '11 

yet prepared for resistance : On the opposite side, the usual sym- 
bolic stars and stripes were displayed ; to the right of these was a 
representation of the Goddess of Liberty, standing in the attitude of 
solicitation." Seventeen toasts were proposed at the banquet, two 
of which related to the Bennington battle. 

At Arlington, in 1812, the Washington Benevolent Society 
celebrated the battle anniversary, and an address was delivered by 
Charles Wright. 

In the years 1815, 1816, 1818, and 1819 Bennington celebrated 
August 16th, formally and alone. In 1818 the second toast was : 
"General Stark : the Jackson of Walloomsack." 

In 1821 two celebrations took place ; one in the village of White 
Creek, N. Y., and the other at West Bennington. The former was 
much the larger gathering of the two. At White Creek it was 
announced that the people of the towns of Bennington, Shaftsbury, 
Pownal, in Vermont; White Creek, Hoosick, Cambridge, and Jack- 
son, in New York, united in the celebration of the "Battle of 
Bennington, fought on the hills of Walloomsac, the 16th of August, 
1777." Captain Henry Robinson and Captain Fort were marshals 
of a procession numbering over fifteen hundred men in line. 
Thirteen toasts were drank. General David Robinson, presiding, 
assisted by Paul Cornell, and David Fay. The exercises at West 
Bennington were the associated efforts of people in Bennington and 
Hoosick, and the list of toasts numbered twenty-three. 

In 1822, ^as^ Bennington, the present village of Bennington (all 
the above references being to Bennington Centre, the Bennington of 
the Revolution), had the celebration. The banquet was held at the 
" Inn of Cyrus Hill," which stood on the site of the present office of 
The Bennington Banner. Captain Jacob S afford presided, assisted 
by Captain John Norton. 

The procession of 1823, maugurated an idea that was superbly 
revived by the " Green Mountain Boys," with Governor Wm. P. 
Dillingham at their head, in New York City, at the Washington 
Centennial three years ago. The people, in the long procession, 
wore " green boughs in their hats." Colonel Henry Robinson was 
the marshal ; Lieutenant-Colonel Green Blackmer, assistant mar- 
shal. The exercises were held on the present monument grounds ; 
the venerable ex-Governor Galusha presided, assisted, by Major 
Hawks, General Robinson, Captain Jacob Safford, Hon. David Fay, 
Captain John Norton, and William Henry. Also, at Pownal, the 
same day, a celebration was held, and the late ex-Governor Hiland 
Hall, then a young man, was the orator. Number seven, of Pownal's 
toasts, was as follows : " The Vermont, New Hampshire, and Berk- 



28 HIS TORIC INTR 01) UC TION. 

shire Militia of 1777 : Colonel Baum said, ' These d d Yankees 

will fight.' " 

The first celebration inaugurated and carried out by the ladies 
occurred in 1826. Those "to the manner born," only, participated. 
The party consisted of one /^imc^reJ young ladies and gentlemen, who 
took tea together on the banks of the Walloomsac in Bennington. 

The fiftieth anniversary, in 1827, was observed with more than 
•ordinary dignity. The day was ushered in by the ringing of bells, 
the firing of cannon, and other demonstrations of rejoicing. The 
Plon. Hiland Hall, and Hon. Pierpoint Isham were the orators. The 
exercises were enlivened by original songs, contributed for the 
occasion, by the Rev. Edwin H. Chapin, D.D., the noted New York 
divine, who was reared in this town, coming here with his parents, 
from Greenwich, N. Y., when four years old. 

Prior to 1827, and from that time forth, for a number of years, 
the records preserved speak in almost pathetic language of the 
survivors of the battle present at these Sixteenth of August celebra- 
tions. At Judge Draper's, Shaftsbury, in 1828, there were present 
two : Ex-Governor Jonas Galusha, and General David Robinson ; in 
1829, at Bennington, ex-Governors Isaac Tichenor, and Jonas 
Galusha; at Bennington, in 1831, Captain Brown, a survivor of the 
Berkshire band, an aged and much respected citizen of Cheshire, 
Mass., and Captain Safford. Captain Brown is recorded as "One of 
the Berkhire men who stormed the breastworks of the enemy, and 
w^itnessed the victory." The report continues : " Mr. Brown and 
Mr. Safford were the only two present who witnessed the events 
commemorated." 

In 1832 North Bennington and Shaftsbury celebrated. General 
David Robinson was President of the Day. The procession formed 
-at the former village, marched to the Baptist Church in " West 
Shaftsbury," and there listened to an oration. Twenty-four young 
ladies were robed to represent the States. 

In 1840 the Democrats and Whigs held political gatherings in 
Bennington (Centre). In the banquet line one party had a table 
spread, to the westward of where the monument stands, said by 
some to have been seventy-five rods in length. Thousands were 
fed. The other party, not to be outdone, held theirs the day after 
the Sixteenth, on the Mt. Anthony Seminary grounds ; and we are 
unable to learn which dispensed the more generous hospitality. 

The following year, 1841, a "Temperance mass meeting," upon 
the battle ground, called out a vast concourse of people. An eye- 
witness tells the writer that the procession of teams reached from 
Bennington to the place of meeting ; and that the people came from 




'■^^ojz^CSyrac use^-^ 



^■Mh 




THE BA TTLE MONUMENT. 29 

all directions. Many will recall the " Washingtonian Movement," 
and this occasion, August 16, 1841, must have been one of its red- 
letter days. 

In 1842 occurred the "Ladies' Celebration" at North Ben- 
nington. The Hon. A. B. Olin was orator ; and, of the thirty-three 
toasts proposed, three were as follows : (a) " The Grandmothers of 
the Revolution"; (b) " The Mothers of the Revolution"; (c) "The 
Green Mountain Band." 

In 1848 there was great rejoicing. Through the efforts of Sen- 
ator Jacob Oollamer there had been restored to the custody of 
Yermont, the cannon captured from the British at Bennington, in 
1777. These were present then, and, also in 1891, and are shown 
in our illustrations just passing under the " Triumphal Arch." On 
this occasion Samuel Safford was present, "the last resident sur- 
vivor of the battle," and the literary exercises were enlivened by 
songs sung by Henry Buckley Squires, the world-famed tenor, and 
native of Bennington, now retired, and living in Paris, France. 
One of the songs he sang was: "The Death of General Warren." 

These reminiscences, closing in 1853, when the monument was 
first proposed, have not been intended to be exhaustive of the sub- 
ject, but rather suggestive. There is no claim made as to fixing 
definitely the dates of all the celebrations. If the reader shall thus 
obtain an inkling of this interesting subject, and be led up to an 
intelligent comprehension of the principal subject of this volume, 
the object of the "historian " will have been fully attained. 



DIVISION II. 



Resume of Monument History. 

First Monument Proposals. — The number "77," and "7," in 
the history of Bennington, possess allusions that are worthy of 
reference. The battle was fought in 1777 ; it was on the 77th 
anniversary that the promoters, of the first project, contemplated 
laying the corner stone ; it was in 1877 that the great celebrations 
were held, which led up to the erection of the present structure, and 
it was in 1887, that the corner-stone was finally laid ; noted here- 
after in this work. 

The "Act of 1853, Incorporating the first Bennington Battle 
Monument Association," as will be seen, contained the names of 
men well-remembered by our people. It will, also, be noticed, by 
comparison, that several members of the same families were inter- 
ested in the successful movement of 1876. We are told that the 



30 HISTORIC INTllOD UCTION. 

"bill" met with considerable opposition in the Legislature, but that 
Bennington promoters of the enterprise were, finally, successful in 
winning over the opposition to their side. The list of corporators 
was headed by Governor John S. Robinson, but we have always 
understood that several Bennington people, not named in the Act, 
were likewise interested, and among them the late George W. 
Robinson. The law was Number 124, and reads as follows: 

An Act to Incokporate the Bennington Battle Monuj^eent 
Association. 

It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ver- 
mont^ as follows: 

Section 1. John S. Robinson, A. P. Lyman, Samuel H. Brown, 
Benjamin F. Fay, E. D. Hubbell, Heman Swift, Peirpoint Ishani, 
William Bigelow, Daniel Roberts, John S. Pettibone, A. L. jVIiner, 
E. N. Briggs, George W. Strong, C. B. HaiTington, A. W. Hyde, 
E. D. Barber, Samuel Strong, Paris Fletcher, William Nash, Tim- 
othy Follett, N. B. Haswell, D. A. Smalley, William H. French, 
A. E. Hubbell, L B. Bowdish, If. E. Royce, A. O. Aldis, O. L. 
Shatter, W. C. Bradley, C. K. Field, F. Holbrook, I. F. Redfield, 
J. F. Deane. O. P. Chandler, J. F. Washburn, Daniel Colt, J. P. 
Kidder, Stephen Thomas, William Mattocks, Henry Stevens, 
Erastus Fairbanks, William Hey wood, Jr., Portus Baxter, Nehe- 
miah Colby, E. P. Walton, F. F. Merrill, C. G. Eastman, Giles 
Harrington, George W. Bailey, and Paul Dillingham, and their 
associates and successors, are hereby constituted a body politic and 
corporate, by the name of the Bennington Battle Monument Asso- 
ciation, for the purpose of erecting and maintaining a suitable 
monument, commemorative of the achievements of our patriot 
soldiers at the battle of Bennington, fought on the Sixteenth day 
of August, A.D. 1777, with all the rights and powers incident to 
corporations, and said corporation shall be located at the Centre vil- 
lage in Bennington ; and may have a common seal, and the same 
alter at pleasure ; may sue and be sued ; make such by-laws and 
regulations as may be necessary, not repugnant to the laws of this 
State, and may take and hold, by gift, purchase, devise or other- 
wise, real estate to the amount of two thousand dollars, and personal 
estate to the amount of twenty thousand dollars, and the same 
manage and dispose of for the purposes of said corporation. 

Section 2. The first meeting of said corporation shall be held 
without further notice, at Rutland, on the third Wednesday of 
January, A.D. 1854, at the court house in said town, at ten o'clock 
in the forenoon, at which meeting any five of the corporators shall 
be a quorum for the transaction of business ; and at said meeting, 
and at all other meetings held agreeable to their by-laws, said cor- 
poration may elect all necessary officers, and enact such by-laws 
and rules as may be expedient. 

Section 3. The treasurer of this State is hereby directed to 
pay to the treasurer of said Association the sum of three thousand 
dollars, upon receiving satisfactory proof hereafter, that said Asso- 



THE BA TTLE MONUMENT. 31 

elation has raised, and is in possession of available funds to the 
amount of at least seven thousand dollars, to be expended for the 
erection of such monument, and that said Association has on or 
before the Sixteenth day of August, A.D. 1854, laid the corner- 
stone of said monument. 

Approved, December 5, 1853. 

Ag-reeable to Section 2, of this Act, a meeting of the corpora- 
tors was held, at Rutland, January 18, 1854. A large number of 
Benningon people were in attendance. One of these gentlemen 
tells the writer that they experienced great disappointment, on 
arrival in Rutland, because of the want of enthusiasm shown, out- 
side of Bennington. The meeting was called to order by Doctor 
William Bigelow, of Bennington, and on motion of His Excellency 
John S. Robinson, he was called to the chair, and Geo. W. Strong, 
was elected Secretary. On motion, it was 

Voted, "That any person, on subscribing ten ($10.) dollars, shall 
become a member of the Association." 

It was thought that there would be no difficulty in obtaining 
the funds, called for by the Act, in subscriptions of SIO.OO each. A 
soliciting committee was appointed, and the organization completed 
by the election of the following officers : 

President, John S. Robinson, Governor ; Vice-Presidents, Hon- 
orables Samuel P. Strong, Timothy Follett, E. N. Briggs, J. S. 
Pettibone ; Treasurer, Samuel H. Brown ; Corresponding Secretary, 
Alfred Robinson ; Recording Secretary, Geo. W. Strong ; Auditor, 
Uel M. Robinson; Executive Committee, Wni. Bigelow, Luman 
Norton, A. B. Gardner, Benj. R. Sears, Perez Harwood, Jr., Daniel 
Roberts, Geo. W. Strong, Timothy Follett, Erastus Fairbanks. 
Assistant Treasurers for the Probate Districts : Bennington, J. F. 
Robinson ; Manchester, John C. Roberts ; Rutland, Geo. W. Strong ; 
Fairhaven, Merritt Clark ; Addison, Julius A. Beckwith ; New 
Haven, Geo. W. Grandey ; Chittenden, H. B. Stacy ; Franklin, Geo. 
F. Houghton ; Grand Isle, — Allen ; Orleans, A. Judson Rowell ; 
Lamoille, Wm. H. H. Bingham ; Essex, Reuben C. Benton ; Cale- 
donia, Bliss N. Davis ; Washington, Chas. G. Eastman ; Bradford, 
Justin S. Morrill ; Randolph, Jefferson P. Kidder ; Hartford, James 
Barrett ; Windsor, Daniel A. Heald ; Westminster, Chas. K. 
Field ; Marlboro, Asa Keyes. On motion, of John S. Robinson, 
Samuel H. Blackmer and A. P. Lyman were appointed Locating 
Committee. 

First Monument Celebration. — The enthusiasm manifested 
at Rutland, in January, evidently increased rather than diminished 
as the Sixteenth of August, 1854, approached. That the proposal 



32 HISTORIC INTR OD UC TION. 

to build ti monument, at this time, was not a success is attributable 
rather to the inability to do so alone, than to any lack of energy, on 
the part of Bennington people. The day had not yet arrived. 

Wednesday, August IG, 1854, was a great event for Benning- 
ton. The Banner says : '' Nothing of late years has equalled the 
manner in which the day was observed. The 77th Anniversary of 
the Battle of Bennington will long be remembered by all who were 
participants in its festivities. The day was extremely lovely, — the 
temperature being just what it should be for comfort and enjoy- 
ment." The Hon. A. P. Lyman was President of the Day, and the 
Orator was J. T. Headly, the historian. 

The newspaper report says of Mr. Headly : '' He gave a vivid 
and stirring account of the exciting and trying scenes attending 
the Battle of Bennington, and spoke of the important bearing which 
this engagement had in securing the Independence of the Colonies. 
In speaking of the proposition, now in agitation, to erect a monu- 
ment, in this town, to the memory of those brave men and their 
heroic deeds, he said, he ' wished it were impossible for the citizens 
of Vermont to give sleep to their eyes or slumber to their eyelids 
until they had done their duty in this respect.' " The editor calls 
this "A gentle hint, which we hope will have the desired effect." 
The Hon. Hiland Hall, also spoke, and the Hon. Jacob Collamer 
was present. It was estimated that more than three thousand 
people, from out of town, participated in the celebration ; and the 
long procession was escorted by the Citizens Corps, of Troy, N. Y. 
These proceedings and the fact of legislative action proved most 
helpful when a second attempt was made in 1876. 

It is not the purpose of the present effort to give an exhaustive 
account of the proceedings of 1875-'76-'77, because the particulars 
of the latter year, are fully contained in the " Centennial Volume,'^ 
issued in 1879, under the auspices of the Beimington Battle Monu- 
ment Association, and to which the reader is referred. Our duty 
seems to be the record of a few connecting links leading past those 
dates to that of 1891. 

The second movement in Bennington, " Was an outcome of the 
proposition to celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the battle, 
with more than the usual, or even occasional, notice which every 
anniversary since the battle was fought had received. For several 
years previous to August 16, 1877, it was common talk among the 
people of Bennington, ever alive to the importance of General Stark's 
victory on the fortunes of the Revolutionary war, that the centen- 
nial of that victory must be celebrated in a manner worthy of an 
event of such National importance ; and, long before that time 



'^^"^^^■V^ 






i 



THE BA TTLE M0NU3IENT. m 

approached, it was well understood throughout the State that there 
would be a great celebration at Bennington during the week of 
August 16th." Various State organizations adjourned to meet here 
that year, the larger number making their dates "Sixteenth of 
August week." Among these were the Veteran Soldiers, who held 
their semi-annual meeting at Brattleboro, in August, 1875 ; the 
Officers' Reunion Society, at St. Albans, October 14th, following; 
the Grand Lodge of Good Templars, in, 1876; the Vermont Editors' 
and Publishers' Association, and several other bodies. 

The Bennington Historical Society was organized in 1875, and 
the call for the first meeting is dated October 28th. At this meet- 
ing, w^hen the name to be chosen was under consideration, Colonel 
Olin Scott proposed to amend the suggested title : "Bennington 
Historical Society," to the " Bennington Historical and Monumental 
Society." The amendment did not prevail, but the suggestion of a 
battle monument, as the outcome, was placed permanently on 
record. It will be noted that in the " Act of 1876," this Society was 
given a distinct duty to perform, annually. The Journal of the 
Vermont House of Representatives, 1876, page 60, shows that the 
Hon. James K. Batchelder, now a director, moved the reference of 
" So much of the Governor's Message, as relates to the Benning- 
ton Battle Monument Association and the Centennial Year and its 
Observance," to a special committee. Afterward the committee 
was increased from seven to nine, and Mr. Batchelder served as 
chairman. The law passed reads as follows : 

An Act to Incorporate the Bexxixgtox Battle Monument 
Association. 

It is hereby enacted hy the General Assembly of the State of Ver- 
mont^ as follows : 

Section 1. Hiland Hall, Horace Fairbanks, W. H. H. Bingham, 
Justin S. Morrill, E. J. Phelps, Geo. F. Edmunds, Isaac Jennings, 
Trenor W. Park, John B. Page, Jacob Estey, E. P. Walton, John 
Gregory Smith, Asahel Peck, John W. Stewart, Abram B. Gardner, 
Paul Dillingham, Harmon Canfield, Edward Seymour, Burnham 
Martin, Frederick Billings, Franklin Butler, Jed. P.. Ladd, Mason S. 
Colburn, Edward A. Sowles, Carroll S. Page, E. D. Mason, W. W. 
Grout, E. P. Colton, Geo. N. Dale, Duane L. Kent, Gilbert A. Davis, 
Homer Goodhue, Milo C. Huling, J. Henry Guild, Geo. W. Farwell, 
Oscar E. Butterfield, Cyrus Jennings, E. D. Blodgett, Redfield 
Proctor, John Lovejoy Mason, Eben Graves, Hiram Barton ; and 
Seth B. Hunt, H. Henry Baxter, and Wm. M. Evarts, of the city of 
New York ; Samuel B. Sanford and Daniel Robinson of Troy, N. 
Y. ; and Sidney B. Squires, of Boston, Massachusetts, with seven 
persons to be elected annually in January, by the Bennington His- 
torical Society, are hereby constituted, with their associates and 
successors, a body politic and corporate by the name of the Ben- 



34 HIS TOBIC INTE OB UC TIO N. 

nington Battle Monument Association, for the purpose of erecting 
and maintaining a suitable monument commemorative of the 
achievements of General John Stark and the patriot soldiers of 
Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, at the decisive Battle 
of Bennington fought on the 16th of August, 1777, with all the 
rights and powers incident to corporations ; and said corporation 
shall be located at Bennington, and may have a common seal and 
the same alter at pleasure ; may sue and be sued; may make such 
laws and regulations as may be necessary, not inconsistent with the 
laws of this State ; and may take and hold by gift, purchase, devise, 
or otherwise, real and personal estate to the amount of $30,000 and 
the same manage and dispose of for the purposes of said corporation. 

Section 2. The Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, Speaker of the 
House of Representatives, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme 
Court shall be members ex officio of this corporation ; and said cor- 
poration at their first meeting, or at any annual meeting, may elect 
by ballot any number of persons not exceeding sixty in all, exclu- 
sive of the members ex officio, to be members of the corporation. 

Section 3. At their first annual meeting said corporation shall 
elect a President, a Vice-President, a Treasurer, a Secretary and 
Board of Directors, and may elect other officers as they shall see fit. 
The Treasurer shall give bonds in such sum as the directors shall 
determine, and these may be increased from time to time as they 
may order. 

Section 4. The Governor is hereby directed to invite, in the 
name of this State, the States of Xew Hampshire and Massachusetts 
to unite with the State of Vermont in erecting a battle monument 
at Bennington. 

Section 5. No moneys appropriated by the State shall be 
expended by this Association in the erection of a monument until 
sufiicient funds shall have been accumulated by the Association to 
complete it. 

Section 6. This Association shall at their first annual meeting 
take measures to secure at Bennington, during the week of the 16th 
of August, 1877, an appropriate Centennial Celebration of the Battle 
of Bennington, and also the recognition of the year 1877 as the 100th 
year of the existence of this State as an Independent State. 

Section 7. The auditor of accounts is hereby directed to draw 
his order on the treasurer of the State in favor of the treasurer of 
this Association for the sum of $15,000 upon receiving satisfactory 
proof that said Association has raised, and is in actual possession of 
available funds, to the amount of $5,000, to be expended for the erec- 
tion of a Battle Monument at Bennington ; he is also directed to 
draw a further order for the sum of $2,000 for the purpose of carry- 
ing out the provisions of section six, provided the Association shall 
raise the sum of $2,000 for this purpose. 

Section 8. The first meeting of this corporation shall be held 
without further notice on the second Wednesday in Januarj^, A.D. 
1877, at the court house in said town of Bennington, at 10 o'clock in 
the forenoon, at which meeting any ten of said corporators shall 
iorm a quorum for business. 

Section 9. This act shall take effect from its passage. 



THE BATTLE MONUMENT. 35 

Under " Section 6," of this Act, a Centennial Commission was 
appointed. Tlie gentlemen composing it assembled at Bennington, 
April 4, 1877, and elected officers. The Hon. Edward J. Phelps was 
chosen President; Hon. Hiland Hall and a number of prominent 
Yermonters were named as Vice-Presidents; Charles M. Bliss, Sec- 
retary; Hon. Henry G. Root, Milo C. Huling, Major A. B. Valentine, 
George A. Merrill, Carroll S. Page, Executive Committee. An 
address, " to the People of Vermont, " was issued over the signa- 
tures of the Executive Committee, who visited the larger towns of 
the State to promote the object of the proposed celebration. This 
was followed up by solicitations for money, and the amount neces- 
sary was speedily raised. The total cost of the celebration, of 
1877, was over 814,000, and residents of Bennington, as well as 
Vermonters, generally, gave with a liberal hand, as is shown by 
the original "subscription paper " before us. 

The Record History. — On the 23rd day of May, 1887, the 
Building Committee, addressed a letter to the Governors of the 
States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont, in these 
words : 

" We, the undersigned members of the Building Committee of 
the Bennington Battle Monument Association, respectfully represent 
to your Excellencies that they have been duly authorized to lay 
before you the present condition of affairs in connection with the 
building of the Bennington battle monument, and to ask your action 
thereon. There have been appropriated and raised, for the uses of 
this Association, the following sums of money, viz. : 

" Congress of the United States $40,000. 

"State of Vermont . 15,000, 

" State of New Hampshire 5,000. 

" State of Massachusetts 10,000. 

" Bennington Battle Monument Association . 10,000, 

"Making a total of 180,000. 

"The plans for the monument have been duly approved, as 
follows : By the President of the United States, the Governor of 
the State of Vermont, the Governor of New Hampshire, the Gov- 
ernor of Massachusetts, and the Bennington Battle Monument 
Association. A contract has been duly entered into, between this 
Association and W. H. Ward, of Lowell, Mass., to build and com- 
plete a monument, within three years, for the sum of seventy-five 
thousand dollars ; together with a good and sufficient bond, for the 
faithful performance of the same, a copy of which is herewith trans- 
mitted. Said monument to be erected within a ]3eriod of three 
years, on land selected by this Association, which has been secured 



S6 HISTORIC INTR OD UC TIOR. 

to the State of Vermont ; together, with all adjoining land within a 
reasonable distance, in order to preserve, forever, freedom from any 
objectionable surroundings. We, therefore, ask your Excellencies 
to give your approval, in writing, to this Association, so far as may 
be necessary, as to what has been done, as will ensure the payment, 
into the hands of the Treasurer of the Association, of such moneys 
as may be needed ; or, in compliance with the law, in the carrying 
out of the contract, for the building and completion of said Ben- 
nington Battle Monument." 

The approval, on the part of the Directors of the Association, 
referred to above, is as follows, and bears date at Bennington, 
January 24, A.D. 1887: 

" We, whose names are hereby subscribed. Directors of the 
Bennington Battle Monument Association, do hereby approve and 
adopt, on the i)art of the Board of Directors, the design for a monu- 
ment heretofore adopted by said Association, at its meeting of 
August 12, A.D. 1885. (Signed). 

Isaac Jennings, Henry G. Root, J. T. Shurtleff, John V. Hall, A. B. 
Valentine, Ebenezer J. Ormsbee (Governor of Vermont), Oliver 
Ames (Governor of Massachusetts), Moody Currier (Governor of 
New Hampshire)." 

For the events leading up to the issuance of these important 
documents, and those subsequent, but prior to the laying of the 
corner-stone, we condense from " An Abstract of Official Acts and 
Proceedings, Deposited in MS. in the Corner Stone," written b}^ the 
Rev. Isaac Jennings, Secretary of the Board of Directors, and Presi- 
dent of the Bennington Historical Society. This was the last 
literary production of the author of "Memorials of a Century," and 
pastor, for nearly thirty-five years, of the Old First Church ; and, 
on that account, possesses peculiar interest to many. We omit 
portions, composed principally of names, and routine business, and 
I)egin with his account of the first meeting, and organization of the 
Association : 

" In accordance with the Act of Incorporation by the Vermont 
Legislature, the first meeting of the Bennington Battle Monument 
Association was held on the second Wednesday in January, A.D. 
1877. This meeting made a preliminary organization by the elec- 
tion of W. H. H. Bingham, of Stowe, Temporary Chairman, and 
Carroll S. Page, of Hyde Park, Temporary Secretary. On motion of 
the Hon. Hiland Hall, a committee of five, consisting of Hiland 
Hall, Charles M. Bliss, J. H. Guild, Isaac Jennings and A. B. Gard- 
ner was elected to report to the Association a board of officers for 
the consideration of the Association. Adjourned until afternoon. 



THE BA TTLE MONUMENT. 37 

"Met according to adjournment, W. H. H. Bingham in the 
chair. The Committee on Nomination reported, and the Association 
thereupon elected the following officers : President, Hon. Horace 
Fairbanks, of St. Johnsbury ; Vice-President, Hon. Hiland Hall, of 
Bennington ; Secretary, Charles M. Bliss, of Bennington ; Assistant 
Secretary, John T. Shurfcleff, of Bennington; Treasurer, Milo C. 
Huling, of North Bennington. 

"At subsequent adjourned meetings, by-laws were adopted and 
other important business transacted, and at an adjourned meeting 
January 23rd, the following Board of Directors were elected by bal- 
lot : A. B. Gardner, A. B. Valentine, Olin Scott, Charles E. Dewey, 
and A. P. Childs. 

" To go on with the history of the Association, year after 
year annual elections of officers have taken place ; annual and special 
meetings have been held and much important business transacted ; 
but one subject of commanding interest has held its place — that of 
securing a suitable design for the monument. The Board of 
Directors met not only in Bennington, but in Boston, Burlington, 
Concord, N. H., and New York City. Able and distinguished gen- 
tlemen have composed the Committee of Design. Leading sculptors 
and architects have been consulted. Many have furnished designs 
for the consideration of the Committee of Design and the Board of 
Directors. 

" On December 2, 1884, at a meeting of the Directors, held in 
New York City, the design of Prof. Weir was, by the Committee of 
Design, recommended to the Board. 

" It may as well, perhaps, be noted here that the Bennington 
Battle Monument Association had secured the passage in the Legis- 
lature of Vermont, in 1880, of an act constitutiog the Governors of 
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont members and direc- 
tors of the Association, ex officio P 

"The Committee of Design, at this time, was composed as fol- 
lows : Hon. Edward J. Phelps, L.L.D., Professor of Law in Yale 
College, and soon after appointed our Minister to England, Chair- 
man ; Hon. Alexander H. Rice, L.L.D., ex-Governor of Massachusetts ; 
Hon. Benj. F. Prescott, ex-Governor of New Hampshire and Presi- 
dent of the Association. The author of the design adopted, John F. 
Weir, Professor of Painting and Design in Yale College, was 
present at the above meeting. 

"At the meeting in New York City, December 2, 1884, the 
report of the Committee of Design was accepted, and a resolution 
was unanimously passed adopting said design, and also, in accord- 
ance with the resolution, every member of the Board, including the 



38 HIS TOBIC INTR OD UC TIOJST. 

Governors of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont, ex, officio 
members, gave their individual vote, in writing, and within the time 
that the meeting was kept open for the purpose, for the Weir design. 

"At the ensuing regular annual meeting of the Association, Jan- 
uary 14, 1885, the records of the above meeting of the Directors in 
New York City, and its proceedings, complete, were read by Rev. 
Isaac Jennings, Secretary of the Directors. And this reading of 
the said records was understood to be equivalent to the submission, 
on the part of the Directors, of their action in the premises to the 
Association for its approval and adoption, or otherwise, as the 
members of the Association should decide. Owing to the lateness 
of the hour no vote and no decision, on the subject, was had at this 
meeting. Public opinion, however, and the controlling feeling of 
the Association appeared to be, — and proved to be, — in favor not 
of a monument distinctively sculptural, which was the type of the 
Weir design, but of an architectural monument of lofty and massive, 
yet simple, proportions. The strong and beautiful monograph of 
ex-Governor Hall, which was printed, and copies of it sent to all the 
members of the Association, in June of this year, in favor of the 
grand, yet simple, and lofty monument deserves special mention in 
this connection. 

"Here comes in a very important meeting of the Bennington 
Historical Society, and quite a full abstract, of the substance of the 
minutes of this meeting,, seems to be in place. 

" The Bennington Historical Society held a meeting at the court 
house in Bennington, April 14, 1885. This meeting was, as the 
minutes state, very largely attended. A preamble and resolutions 
were adopted appointing a committee of not less than forty members 
to obtain information, and bring the same before the Monument 
Association, at its meeting, August 12, 1885, respecting 'a massive 
structure of commanding height.' The chairman of this committee 
was the Hon. Hiland Hall. This general committee held a meeting 
the following Friday, the chairman presiding, and appointed a 
' Working Committee ' consisting of Chas. M. Bliss, George W. 
Robinson, Milo C. Huling, John V. Hall, and John T. Shurtleff. 
Also a Finance Committee : Luther R. Graves, Charles Thatcher, 
and L. F. Abbott. Subsequently an Advisory Committee was 
appointed to recommend to the Society one or more designs. The 
members of this committee were, the Hon. Hiland Hall, Chairman ; 
Prof. Arthur L. Perry, Williams College, Mass. ; the Hon. Joseph B. 
Walker, Concord, N. H. (a great-grandson of the Rev. Timothy 
Walker of Revolutionary fame) ; Prof. H. A. P. Torrey, University 
of Vermont; the Honorables Horace Fairbanks, of St. Johns- 



THE BA TTLE MONUMENT. 39 

bury, and John W. Stewart (M. C), of Middlebury. .This special 
committee made their report, under date of July 9, 1885, to the 
Society ' Strongly and unanimously approving the design presented 
by J. PhiUpp Rinn, an artist and architect of Boston.' Also, that the 
Society ' Take proper and needful measures to insure a full attend- 
ance of the Monument Association, on the 12th of August, 1885, in 
order that the question of design may be definitely settled.' " 

" Pursuant to the notice a meeting of the Bennington Battle 
Monument Association was held at the court house in Bennington. 
A large number of the members were present, including His Excel- 
lency, Governor Samuel E. Pingree. The meeting was called to 
order by Hon. Hiland Hall, Vice-President of the Association, who 
asked to be excused from serving as chairman on account of the 
infirmities of age, and nominated His Excellency, Governor Pingree, 
as the president pro tempore. Governor Pingree was unanimously 
elected and took the chair. The minutes of the annual meeting, held 
in January, 1885, were read by the Secretary and by vote approved. 

" Gen. J. G. McCuUough, on behalf of the Board of Directors, 
withdrew from the consideration of the meeting, the monument 
design of Prof. Weir, to which the meeting assented. 

"Hon. E. P. Walton offered the following resolution; (the 
words in parenthesis being incorporated on motion of Hon. Wm. M. 
Evarts of New York): 

" ' Resolved, That the design for a structure three hundred feet 
high, recommended by the Advisory Committee of the Bennington 
Historical Society, to this Association, be adopted, subject to such 
modification as the (committee of the) Association (now to be 
appointed) shall hereafter make and also to such reduction in size 
(if need be) as will secure the payment of the appropriation from 
Congress, and from the States of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, 
and Vermont, which have already been made.' " 

The resolution was unanimously adopted. A committee was 
then appointed, consisting of Chas. M. Bliss, Geo. W. Robinson, 
Milo C. Huling, John V. Hall, and John T. Shurtleff, to ascertain, 
among other things, " What evidence of the plan of the monument 
and its cost, built of stone, will be required by the President of the 
United States, and by the Governors of Massachusetts, and New 
Hampshire, to entitle the Association to call for and receive the 
appropriations," etc. This committee was continued from time to 
time. At the annual meeting January 12, 1887, this committee, by 
their own request, was discharged and its powers relegated to the 
Board of Directors. 

" On the ensuing January 13 (1886) the regular annual meeting 
of the Association was held at the court house in Bennington. The 



40 HIS TORIC INTR OB UC TIOK 

Committee oij Plans and Estimates reported that estimates with 
bids had been offered by competent and responsible parties to erect 
the masonry of a monument 300 feet high, according to the plans of 
Mr. Rinn, but not including the interior work, for the moneys 
within reach of the Association, provided the State of Massachu- 
setts renew its appropriation. 

" At this meeting the subject came up, for consideration, of the 
lapse of the appropriation made by Massachusetts, of 17,500, on 
account of delay of the Association to fulfill the conditions of the 
payment (to it) of the said appropriation, hy force of a general statute 
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. On motion of Charles M. 
Bliss, resolutions were adopted by the Association, and the Corre- 
sponding Secretary, Mr. Bliss, was directed to send copies of the 
preamble and resolutions to Governor Robinson, and other oflScial 
members of the Massachusetts Legislature. Mr. Bliss, also, pro- 
ceeded to Boston to attend personally to this business. 

" In March, following, the Massachusetts Legislature renewed 
the appropriation, enlarging it to ten thousand dollars. 

"Also the appropriation by Congress of $40,000 was delayed 
for a time by the want of entire satisfaction, that the conditions of 
it had been met, particularly as to the funds of the Association 
being sufficient to build the monument according to the design. 
But at length this difficulty has been successfully overcome." 

" From the minutes of a meeting held August 4, 1886, and at 
length adjourned to August 5th, we quote : 

" ' Resolved, That the monument be located in the center of the 
highway on the crest of the hill, as nearly opposite the site of the 
Old Continental Store House as practicable.' " 

" A meeting of the Directors of the Bennington Battle Monu- 
ment Association was held in Bennington Centre, April 12, 1887, at 
the residence of the Rev. Isaac Jennings. The following resolution 
was moved, by Henry G. Root, and unanimously adopted : 

" ' Resolved, That a nominating committee of three be appointed 
by the chair to nominate a Building Committee, and also a Finance 
Committee. The Building Committee to consist of three members, 
to whom shall be referred all subjects relating to the building of the 
monument, such as design, size of the monument, contracts for stone 
and labor, employment of engineers and the covering of all moneys 
now approiDriated into the treasury of the Association. 

" ' The Finance Committee to consist of three members to whom 
all subjects shall be referred relating to the raising of further money. 

" ' Both committees to be subject to the direction and super- 
vision of the Board of Directors.' 

"In accordance with the above resolution, the President 
appointed the nominating committee as follows : H. G. Root, A. B. 




^. ^. )S.J^. 



THE BA TTLE MONUMENT. 41 

Valentine and. Charles M. Bliss. The said nominating committee 
retired, and, after consultation, reported the following names for 
the aforesaid committees : For the Building Committee, Hon. H. G. 
Root, Major A. B. Valentine and Milo C. Huling. For the Finance 
Committee, Charles M. Bliss, John V. Hall and John T. Shurtleff. 
The report of the nominating committee was accepted, and the gen- 
tlemen named elected accordingly. Charles M. Bliss declining to 
serve General John G. McCullough was substituted in his place. 

" At an adjourned meeting of the directors April 26, 1887, among 
other proceedings. Major A. B. Valentine, on behalf of the Building 
Committee, presented a form of contract and proposals and a bid for 
building the monument, received by the committee, from Contractor 
William H. Ward, of Lowell, Mass." The final outcome was the 
contract noted above. 

"Early in 1886 the ' Working Committee ' secured the approval 
pi the design by the President of the United States, and at length, 
subsequently, the payment of the appropriation, of 140,000, by Con- 
gress was effected. The moneys of the three States were released, 
on the basis of the contract with Mr. Ward, for a monument 300 feet 
high. These appropriations, and the $5000 obtained by private sub- 
scriptions for the $20,000 fund, have been materially increased by 
other private subscriptions, obtained through the labors of Geo. W. 
Robinson and others, and it is expected that there will be an 
additional increase, and a considerable one, through the profitable 
investment of the funds now in the custody of the Association. 

" By an Act approved November 23, 1886, the General Assembly 
of Vermont appointed John L. Barstow, Levi K. Fuller, Aldace F. 
Walker, L. H. Thompson, and the President of the Bennington Bat- 
tle Monument Association, commissioners to determine what lands 
and buildings adjoining the site selected by the Association, for the 
erection of its monument, are required, in order to secure to the 
structure freedom from objectionable surroundings ; also, in Section 
2, the four named persons with Milo C. Huling to agree, if possible, 
with the owners of said property as to the price, and if unable to 
agree, to apply to any judge of the Supreme Court for Commis- 
sioners of Appraisal. 

" Also, in Section 6, authorized the Auditor of Accounts to pay 
for the property, not to exceed in the aggregate 110,000 ; on condi- 
tion that the Association furnish a guarantee, to the commissioners 
named in Section 2, that the monument shall be commenced within 
six months after the site, contemplated in Section 1, is secured to 
their use, and will be completed within five years thereafter. These 
provisions and conditions have been complied with. 



42 HIS TOBIC INTR OB UC TIOJST. 

"Pursuant to a notice sent by the Secretary to all the members 
of the Board, a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Bennington 
Battle Monument Association was held, at the Putnam house in 
Bennington, June 4, 1887. Among other proceedings, moved and 
carried that the Board of Directors invite the citizens of Ben- 
nington to meet them at Library hall and join them in arrangements 
for the celebration, of the laying of the corner-stone of the monument, 
on the 16th of August next. On motion, of Major Valentine, it was 

" ' Resolved, That the Board of Directors extend an invitation 
to the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Vermont, to 
participate in the laying of the corner-stone of the monument.' 

" The said resolution and invitation of the Directors were in due 
form forwarded to the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, as 
aforesaid, and by him presented to the Grand Lodge at a subsequent 
session held at Burlington ; and, on motion, referred to a committee 
consisting of the four first officers of the Grand Lodge, viz. : Marsh 
O. Perkins, Alfred A. Hall, George W. Wing, and Delos M. Bacon, 
who reported the following resolution, which, on motion of the Grand 
Secretary, was unanimously adopted, viz.: 

" ' Resolved, That the Grand Lodge of Vermont feels honored 
by the invitation, and will gladly accept it and participate in the 
exercises, under the rules and usages of the Fraternity, and the 
Grand Secretary is hereby directed to forward a copy of this reso- 
lution, and the action of the Grand Lodge thereon, to the Secretary 
of the Board of Directors. ' 

" The official report of the said proceedings, and resolution of 
the Grand Lodge, were duly forwarded by the Grand Secretary, 
Lavant M. Read, to the Secretary of the Board of Directors. 

" At a meeting of the Board of Directors held, at the Putnam 
house, June 15, 1887, among other proceedings, on motion of Major 
Valentine, seconded by the Rev. Isaac Jennings, it was unanimously 

^^ '■ Resolved, That the Hon. Benjamin F. Prescott, ex-Governor 
of New Hampshire, and President of the Bennington Battle Monu- 
ment Association, be invited to act as President of the Day, on the 
occasion of laying the corner-stone of the monument.' " 



DIVISION III. 

The Cornee-Stone, and the Cope-Stone. 



The Corner-Stone Ceremonies. — August 16, 1887, passed 
into history as one of the principal events in the long line of occur- 
rences detailed above. The writer, reviewing it at the time, said : 
"The 16th day of August 1777, 1877, and 1887 marks three impor- 




/^^^'^^ 



BUILDING THE MONUMENT. 43 

tant and eventful epochs in the history of Bennington. One 
hundred and ten years ago the victory won for freedom, and against 
British oppression, by the patriotic Benningtonians, under Colonel 
Seth Warner and his allies from Massachusetts, and New Hamp- 
shire, all under General John Stark, was most potential in turning 
the tide of war in favor of the young Republic. The celebration 
ten years ago, of the Centennial of the Battle of Bennington, was a 
most memorable occasion. The laying of the corner-stone, of the 
Battle Monument, to-day, has also been a notable event. The 
weather was pleasant, and fully 30,000 people were in town as 
spectators of, or participants in, the celebration." 

During this week the annual muster of the Vermont National 
Guard occurred, and the militia of the State was encamped on the 
Soldiers' Home grounds (as in 1891), in " Camp Seth Warner," 
named in honor of the brave commander of the Green Mountain 
Boys, whom Judge Smith (page 14), awards a meed of praise that 
adds greatly to his historic renown. 

The day was ushered in by the ringing of bells, and a volley 
from Fuller battery. The incoming trains, from all directions, 
brought crowds of people into town. The Knights Templars in their 
showy and symbolic dress, the visiting military, the G. A. R., and 
the Odd Fellows, soon made the streets alive with organized bodies 
that were to make up the parade in the afternoon. The various 
delegations were met at the depot and escorted to their respective 
headquarters, which had been provided at the halls of the organiza- 
tions to which each belonged. The Governors and their Staffs, and 
the Grand Lodge Officers, F. & A. M., were the guests of the Asso- 
ciation. The visiting military companies, and civic organizations, 
were the guests of the citizens of Bennington. They were cordially 
received and hospitably entertained. The evolutions of the Sir 
Knights, the marching and movements of the 32nd Separate Com- 
pany of the New York National Guard, the fine appearance of the 
Berkshire boys (both the Cadets and Canton Colfax), together with 
what could be witnessed of our own uniformed troops and societies, 
all these seemed to take up the attention of the assembled thousands, 
and kept them in good nature, while anticipation was heightened in 
consequence. 

A pleasant feature of the morning was the dedication of the 
Soldiers' Home, and its formal delivery, by the Board of Trustees, to 
the State of Vermont. These exercises were attended by the Gov- 
ernors of Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, and a large 
number of prominent military guests, as well as by many Veterans. 

The procession formed at the junction of Pleasant, Union, and 



44 HIS TO ETC IN TR OB UC TIO N. 

Main streets at 12.30, P. M., and proceeded to the monument grounds 
in Bennington Centre, one and one-fourth miles away. The special 
press report of the time says : " When the lines moved the streets 
were cleared as if by magic, and the long and imposing column 
passed in review of the thousands, lining both sides of the streets, 
until the site of the monument was reached. There was no delay 
or break anywhere, and the procession was as well seen within a 
few rods of starting as farther down. It is safe to say that no finer 
line was ever seen in Vermont. Perhaps there have been larger 
numbers, at the Centennial in 1877, for instance, but none more 
imposing and beautiful. The town presented a holiday appearance, 
nearly every house and place of business on the line of march, and 
streets upon which the formations were made, being one line of 
flags and other decorations." The number in the procession was 
estimated to be 2500. At the head of the line rode Colonel George 
W. Hooker, Chief Marshal, and mounted staft" of fifty; then came 
the First Brigade, V. N.G., commanded by Brigadier-General Wm. 
L. Greenleaf ; the Grand Army of the Republic, escorting the Ben- 
nington Battle Monument Association, and guests, in carriages ; the 
visiting militia; the civic societies, including the Sons of Veter- 
ans, and Patriarchs Militant; the Masonic Division, and Fuller 
Battery in the rear. The Masonic Fraternity formed according 
to the Ritual, the Grand Commandery of Knights Templars being 
the escort to the Grand Lodge. 

As Fuller Battery reached Monument Avenue, in Bennington 
Centre, it dashed rapidly up to the site of the Old Continental 
Store House where it unlimbered and fired a salute of thirteen guns. 
This announced the formal opening of the corner-stone exercises ► 
Sealed on the speakers' platform, around the monument, were 
ex-Governor B. F. Prescott, of JSTew Hampshire, President of the 
Bennington Battle Monument Association ; Governor Oliver Ames, 
of Massachusetts ; Governor C. H. Sawyer, of New Hampshire ; and 
Governor E. J. Ormsbee, Senator Geo. F. Edmunds, Congressman 
John W. Stewart, Orator of the Day, and Congressman William W. 
Grout, of Vermont. A second stand was occupied by the Staffs of 
the three Governors, and by such well known Vermonters as 
ex-Governor Horace Fairbanks, ex-Governor Samuel E. Pingree, 
ex-Governor John L. Barstow, ex-Governor Frederick Holbrook, 
Colonel B. B. Smalley, General Wm. Wells, Judge H. H. Powers, 
Judge J. W. Rowell, Colonel Franklin Fairbanks, State Treasurer 
DuBois, Secretary of State Porter, Secretary of Finance Page, 
General P. P. Pitkin, Colonel John C. Stearns, Hon. James K. Batch- 
elder, General T. S. Peck, General William H. Gilmore, Colonel Albert 




^C:/j(fj£&i/ 



BUILDING THE MONUMENT. 45 

Clarke, Colonel F. S. Stranahan, Colonel William A. Crombie, 
Colonel D. K. Hall, Colonel Z. M. Mansur, Colonel R. E. Hatliorn, 
Colonel De May, Interstate Commissioner A. F. Walker, Honorables 
Warren Gibbs, Daniel Roberts, B. D. Harris, General H. K. Icle, and 
Colonel T. C. Fletcher. Upon this stand were, also, seated the 
members of the Monument Asssociation's Board of Directors, the 
Building and Special Committees. 

The platform occupied by the Grand Lodge, and Grand Com- 
mandery, was situated South of the corner-stone. The dimensions 
of the stone were : seven feet long, three feet wide, and two feet and 
eight inches deep ; weight about five tons. The Grand Secretary's 
record of deposit is as follows : 

" ' Holy Bible ' ; Governor Hall's ' Early History of Vermont' ; 
Rev. Isaac Jennings's 'Memorials of a Century; Rev. Isaac 
Jennings's ' Historical Account Relating to the Battle Monument 
in MS. '; Manuscript copy of the Contract for the Erection of 
the Monument; ' Biographical Encyclopaedia, 19th Century,' Ver- 
mont; Copies of The Bennington Banner newspaper, containing^ 
cut and description of the monument and a Record History; 
Copies of The Bennington Reformer newspaper; other Vermont 
newspapers ; Troy, and New York City newspapers ; Printed 
Laws Referring to Monument; 'Battle of Bennington, and Vermont 
Centennial'; Forbes's 'Vermont Centennial'; 'History of Vermont 
Odd Fellowship '; Report of Masonic Grand Lodge, Vermont, 1887 ; 
Official Programme of Laying Corner-Stone, August 16, 1887 ; 
Masonic Ceremonies, Laying Corner-Stone, Vermont ; Bennington 
Centennial Memorial Medal ; Bank Notes of the Banks in Benning- 
ton ; Copper Coins ; Brigade Order and Roster ; Regimental Order 
from Adjutant General's Office, for Muster of 1887." 

The exercises consisted of introductory remarks by ex-Governor 
Prescott, President of the Day ; response by the Grand Master, 
accepting the task of laying the corner-stone, and the stone was then 
laid in " Ancient Masonic Form," the following officers participating : 

M.-. W.-. Alfred A. Hall, Grand Master ; R.-. W.-. George W. 
Wing, Deputy Grand Master ; R.-. W.-. Delos M. Bacon, Grand 
Senior Warden; R.*. W.-. John H. Whipple, Grand Junior Warden ; 
R.-. W.-. Chas. W. Whitcomb, Grand Treasurer ; R.-. W.-. Lavant 
M. Read, Grand Secretary ; W.-. Warren G. Reynolds, Assistant 
Grand Secretary ; W.-. Wm. J. Sperry, Grand Senior Deacon ; 
W.-. Rigney D. Marvin, Grand Junior Deacon ; W.-. M. W^illson 
Johnson, Grand Lecturer ; W.-. Rev. Edwin Wheelock, Grand 
Chaplain ; W.-. Rev. Frederick S. Fisher, Assistant Grand Chaplain \ 
W.-. Harley G. Sheldon, Grand Marshal ; W.-. Thomas S. Miller, 
Deputy Grand Marshal; W.-. Halsey H. Adams, Grand Pursuivant; 
W.-. Eugene S. Leonard, Grand Sword-Bearer ; W.-. Daniel C. 
Barber, W.-. Asaph T. Taft, Grand Stewards ; W.-. Lafayette Soper, 
Grand Tyler ; Bro.-. J. Ph. Rinn, Principal Architect ; Bro.-. Olin 
Scott, Deputy Architect and Inspector. 



46 HISTORIC INTR OD UC TION. 

The address of the Grand Master was followed by the accept- 
ance of the " work " by Governor Ormsbee ; and, also, on behalf of 
the Bennington Battle Monument Association, by its President, the 
President of the Day, who then presented the Orator, Hon. John W. 
Stewart. The ceremonies were enlivened by appropriate music, 
and the Ritual hymns were sung by a double male quartette. 

Hox. JoHx W. Stewart's Oratiox. — One hundred and ten 
years ago, this hour, a little band of hardy pioneers, our fathers, 
kindred and countrymen were very busy on j^onder hill-side clearing 
the track for the on-coming of the great Republic. They were men 
of action ; and the time for action had come. Petition for redress, 
remonstrance against wrong, protest, argument, expostulation, had 
all been tried and had failed, and the question between the Colonies 
and the Mother Country had come to the dread arbitrament of war ; 
and on that fateful day England sent her Hessian hirelings, with 
their Tory and savage allies to lay waste and pillage the peaceful 
homes which patient thrift had made in this beautiful valley. The 
brave pioneers met them on the border, nor did they await attack. 
Their defence was in attack, and all that long day they confronted 
the disciplined invaders, and they fought as brave men fight for 
home and family and country, while in many a home within rifle- 
shot of w^here we stand gathered the mothers, sisters, wives and 
children of the defenders, awaiting with beating and anxious hearts 
the issue of the battle and news of the loved ones who were braving 
its perils. Who can describe the awful suspense of that day to 
these families as they listened to the distant roar of the deadly 
guns ? But the night draws on, and the day is won, and so becomes 
one of the most memorable in American history. 

We gather on this anniversary day to lay the corner-stone of a 
monument which shall fitly commemorate this great event, known 
in our history as the Battle of Bennington. 

Suffer me to congratulate the officers and members of the Mon- 
ument Association to whose indefatigable eftorts such success is due 
that to-day witnesses the initial ceremony which is the sure prelude 
of the final dedication, soon to follow, of a completed memorial 
which shall fully realize the patriotic hope so long deferred. 

When or by whom the project of erecting a monument, com- 
memorative of this battle, was first definitely proposed, I do not 
know. No doubt many a reader of early American history, as he 
has dwelt upon this, one of its most striking and dramatic events, 
has thought that it deserved a worthy memorial. It is enough, 
however, for this occasion to say that the project first took organized 
iorm and action under the charter granted by our Legislature in 
1876. Among the active managers of the Associations, since its 
organization under the charter, may be found the names of several 
of the Governors of this State, of the State of New Hampshire and 
of the State of Massachusetts. 

Notwithstanding the fact that ten years have elapsed since the 
Association was organized, I yet venture to congratulate its officers 
upon the expedition made and the early success which has crowned 
their efforts. All experience in these matters has shown that, save 



BVILDING THE MONUMENT. 47 

when undertaken and carried forward by the government, indefinite 
time is required. In December, 1799, both houses of Congress 
adopted a resolution for the erection of a monument to commemo- 
rate the great events of the miUtary and poHtical life of Washington,, 
and yet the corner-stone was not laid until 1848, and it was not 
completed until 1885 and never would have been had not Congress 
in the Centennial year, 1876, resolved, " In the name of the people 
of the United States to assume and direct the completion of the 
Washington monument in the City of Washington." 

Since its organization, the Association and its friends have been 
unremitting in their efforts to raise necessary funds, secure a proper 
design and mature plans for the earliest practicable accomplishment 
of the patriotic end in view, to wit. : the erection of an imposing^ 
memorial structure at Bennington. As it was by the united and 
voluntary action of the yoemanry of the Colonies of New Hampshire 
and Massachusetts and the then Independent State of Vermont that 
the eventful victory we celebrate was won, so it seemed eminently 
proper that these States should, severally, unite in making contribu- 
tion to the erection of such memorial. Accordingly the subject was 
presented to the Legislatures of those States, respectively, and met 
from each a prompt and generous response. This State contributed 
the larger sum, $15,000, and properly so, considering the question of 
the locality of the event and of its proposd memorial. Massachu- 
setts contributed $7,500 [increased to $10,000, March 29, 1886], and 
New Hampshire $5,000. The aggregate of the sums was increased 
by private subscriptions from all parts of the country to the sum of 
S40,000. The 46th Congress of the United States supplemented 
this sum by appropriating an equal amount, which has been paid 
into the treasury of the Association and is now available for its 
purposes. The total amount thus raised and pledged is $80,000. 
This State has recently, in 1886, made a further appropriation of 
$10,000 for the purchase of a suitable site and grounds for the mon- 
ument. It need not be supposed that so much as been accomplished 
without much patient and persistent effort on the part of those 
charged with the duty of raising funds. The usual hindrances and 
delays which beset such schemes have been met and successfully 
overcome. No little delay and perplexity have been occasioned by 
differences of opinion as to the proper design for the monument — 
in such cases never a subject upon which views easily meet. Artists 
and connoisseurs often differ widely as to the fitness of a given 
design. One declares in favor of an elaborate and mystic symbol- 
ism, unintelligible to the common mind without a key. Another 
prefers a design distinguished by mere beauty of form, delicacy of 
outline and dainty artistic conception and finish ; while perhaps a 
third, underrating or insensible to the charm of beautiful form and 
graceful outline, would prefer a shapeless boulder symbolizing 
nothing save endurance. From the number of designs submitted 
by different artists, the Association selected after careful delibera- 
tion the one made by Mr. J. Ph. Rinn of Boston. It is believed that 
this design meets every required demand. Its realized embodi- 
ment, standing upon solid rock, will rise, graceful in outline,- 
massive and majestic in proportion, to the imposing height of 300- 



48 HIS TORIC INTJR OB UC TION. 

feet ; its summit commanding a view of the scenes so memorable. 
So standing, it will commend itself to the eye and judgment of 
future beholders as a fitting memorial and symbol, both of the great 
event it is designed to commemorate and the grand and heroic 
character of men whose valor on that August day, so long ago, 
made possible the two victories at Stillwater and the surrender at 
Saratoga in the succeeding October. And this brings me to notice 
very briefly the historical significance of the Battle of Bennington 
and the bearing it had, directly, upon the fate of Burgoyne's expedi- 
tion; and, more remotely, though not less certainly, upon the result 
of the then pending struggle between the Colonies and the Mother 
Country. I am not unaware that this is a well-worn theme. The 
story of the battle, in which so many of the citizens of this county 
took part, is as familiar as a household word. Indeed " Bennington 
Battle" are to them household words. 

The story has been oft-told by sire to son, and grandsire to 
wondering grand-children gathered at his knee. It was from these 
homes about us that so many went out to meet and stay the 
invader. It is in many of these peaceful homes that their kindred 
and descendants now live. Here, too, annually, as the years since 
1777 have flown, the dwellers in this region have gathered and by 
appropriate ceremonies observed the anniversary of victory and 
deliverance. 

It has been to them almost as sacred as the annual Feast of the 
Passover to the Jews. At each recurring anniversary the story has 
been rehearsed anew. It has been a theme fruitful of impassioned 
oratory and an inspiration to the poet, and it has been embalmed 
by the historian. What can I say more, or other, or better, than 
that which has been spoken and written by your own, nay, our 
own, honored citizen, the late Governor Hall, whose interest in, and 
whose knowledge of, the early history of this region was unmatched? 
We miss, indeed, his venerable and benignant presence here to-day, 
a day which more than any other he longed to see; and yet the 
impress. and impulse and inspiration of his spirit has been felt at 
€very step in the past progress of this Association, and abides with 
us to-day. 

I recall, also, the wise caution as to brevity in the invitation 
extended to me by your committee, but the occasion seems to 
demand, within the prescribed limits, a brief sketch of the situation 
just pi-ior to the battle and notice of the effect of the victory, both 
direct and remote. 

The summer of 1777 was a season of gloom and depression in 
the American Colonies. They were scattered, incoherent and with- 
out funds and appliances adequate to cope successfully with the 
rich and powerful Mother Country. The Tories were exultant. The 
timid were halting between the two. The leaders were despondent. 
Burgoyne's formidable expedition, planned in London for the pur- 
pose of cutting off New England from the other Colonies, was 
making its apparently resistless way southward to its goal. On 
the 6th of July he captured Ticonderoga, and on the next day he 
struck and routed at Hubbardton the rear guard of our retreating 
army. At this critical moment, when Burgoyne's success seemed 




^■i'fasoni-C: 5yrsLCV^6.i-''- 




a 



.^^ 



BUILDING THE MONUMENT. 49 

most assured, the Council of Safety, then the Provisional Govern- 
ment of Vermont, appealed to Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, 
for aid in repelling the invasion of the western border thus left 
open and defenceless. 

Right nobly did these Colonies respond to the call, and " Ho, to 
the Borders " rang through the hills of New Hampshire, and was 
echoed along the valleys of Berkshire and Worcester. John Stark 
with his stalwart men from the granite hills came marching across 
the mountains, and Colonel Simonds rallied the men of Berkshire, 
among whom was the maternal grandfather of the speaker ; and 
Warner and Herrick and Williams and Brush came also with their 
Vermonters, among them the paternal grandfather of the speaker. 

General Stark with his brigade reached Bennington on the 9th 
of August. It was on the 15th of the previous month that the 
Vermont Council of Safety had addressed the Executives of Massa- 
chusetts, and New Hampshire, and thus promptly had New 
Hampshire responded. General Stark had already earned reputa- 
tion as Colonel at Bunker Hill and under Washington at Trenton 
and Princeton, and was a man of great force and courage. His 
instructions from the President of New Hampshire upon setting out 
on this exiDcdition curiously illustrates the quasi independence of the 
Colonies at that time. They were " To repair to Charlestown No. 
4," and, when the troops were collected there, " to take command of 
them and march into the State of Vermont and there act in con- 
junction with the troops of that State, or any other of the States, or 
of the United States, or separately, as it should appear expedient to 
him for the protection of the people, or the annoyance of the enemy." 
Never was discretionary power more wisely bestowed. The result 
justified the confidence reposed hi General Stark, although the 
order was criticised severely as subversive of military discipline. 
Burgoyne had at this time reached the Hudson River, his progress 
having been retarded by natural obstacles, and obstructions inter- 
posed by the scattering force of Americans which hung along his 
flank and front in the wilderness through which he marched. He 
at this time needed supplies and means of transportation, and his 
object in detaching Baum and sending him to Bennington was to 
capture the stores there gathered in considerable quantities for the 
use of General Schuyler's army. But the hastily rallied pioneers 
were there before him ; and, my fellow-citizens, never was there a 
more grand, spontaneous uprising of a brave, noble race of men in 
defence of a holy cause — home, country, freedom, everything^ 
which makes life dear or worth living. 

On August 14th, Baum had reached a point about six miles from 
Bennington and had captured a large quantity of wheat and flour at 
Sancoik mill. From here he wrote a dispatch to Burgoyne, that 
about 1800 militia were in his front, which would leave at his 
approach ; of which another has wittily said : " They did leave, but 
took Baum's whole army along with them." On the night of the 
14th Baum entrenched his army in a strong position. On the 15th 
it rained. On the 16th Stark attacked the entrenched and disci- 
plined troops on all sides. They made a brave defence, but were 
nearly all killed, or taken prisoners. Immediately after the battle 



50 HIS TOJRIC INTR OD UC TION. 

was over, Colonel Breyman, sent to reinforce Baum with five or six 
hundred men, was observed approacliing, with whom a second bat- 
tle was fought, continuing until sunset, when the enemy fled, 
leaving his artillery and escaping in the darkness. About "^700 of 
the enemy were captured and 207 men killed. 

Governor Hall, in his " Early History of Vermont," says : " The 
injury to the enemy by this disaster can scarcely be overstated. 
It was not confined to his actual losses of men and munitions of 
war, though these were of considerable importance. This victory 
was the first check given to the triumphant march of Burgoyne 
from Canada, and was an unexpected example of a successful assault 
by undisciplined militia, armed with muskets, without bayonets, 
upon an entrenched camp of veteran troops defended by cannon." 
In a private letter to the British minister in London, written four 
days after the battle, Burgoyne says, " Had I succeeded I should 
have effected a junction with St. Leger, and been now before 
Albany." In the same letter he pays his respects to the people of 
Vermont in the following words : " The New Hampshire Grants 
in particular, a country unpeopled in the last war, now abounds in 
the most active and most rebellious of the continent, and hangs like 
a gathering storm on my left." We can hardly overestimate the 
effect of this victory upon the then desperate cause of the Colonies. 
Such effective fighting by raw militia against entrenched veterans 
astounded and disheartened the enemy. The news flew over the 
land, and thrilled all hearts with joy, renewed flagging hope, 
inspired fresh confidence in the prowess of our army and in our 
ultimate triumph. Says General Hawley in his report to the House 
of Representatives of the 46th Congress, recommending the appro- 
priation already mentioned : " This brilliant victory, of New 
England yoemen over disciplined forces, aroused every section of 
the country to renewed effort, reinforced the Northern army by the 
thousands, and thus ensured the success of the Saratoga battles, 
resulting in the capitulation of Burgoyne and his whole army. 
Consequent on this was the French Alliance, the importance of 
which to the final result is a matter of history. To the Bennington 
battle, then, one of the most brilliant in the annals of the war of the 
Revolution must be, therefore, largely accorded the achievement of 
the independence of America." It is curious to notice how neces- 
sary to this grand result seems each successive link in this chain of 
.<}ause and effect. 

If Baum had taken the needed supplies to Burgoyne's army, its 
triumphant march to Albany would have been speedy and certain. 
The recruits to our army, then needed for effectual resistance to 
Burgoyne's advance, would have staid at home. The French 
Alliance, without which the achievement of independence would 
have been impossible in the face of such disaster and general dis- 
couragement, would not have been effected. But this is not a time 
for speculation or conjecture. Our fathers (fu? rally and stand here, 
like a wall of consuming fire, against the invading host, and their 
rally and battle and victory will forever stand in American history 
;as one of the most dramatic and eventful episodes recorded on 
its pages. 



BUILDING THE MONUMENT. 51 

Probably few, if any, of those engaj^ecl in the battle began to 
measure the momentous consequences which hung upon its issue. 
It seemed to them simply a struggle for the capture or retention of 
a quantity of supplies, and so far important, but the far-reaching 
consequences of the result could not then be foreseen. Our fathers 
"Builded better than they knew." We estimate the value of their 
service in the light of subsequent events. But their want of fore- 
knowledge does not detract in the slightest degree from the moral 
quality of their action. That lies in their ready, unselfish loyalty 
to a perilous duty, and their prompt response to its call at the risk 
of life itself. 

No race of men ever trod this planet who more than they 
revered and respected rightful authority divine and human, and it 
was the rightness and righteous exercise of authority which com- 
manded their respect and allegiance. Its abuse they knew was 
outside the functions of government, and therefore intolerable. 

The committee of the Convention at Westminister, in 1777, 
enunciate the principle thus : " Whenever protection was withheld 
by a government no allegiance was due or could of right be 
demanded." The pioneers, in this region, were not unwilling to 
submit to the Colonial jurisdiction of New York, but could not and 
never would suffer unjust evictions of lands granted by an officer 
of the Crown, and redeemed to uses of civilization by years of 
patient toil and hardship. 

In common with other colonists, they would have remained in 
willing allegiance to the English government had the latter respected 
and secured to them those natural rights which are the gift of God 
and not of governments. 

These men saw clearly the true functions of government, and 
so gave new meaning to the term patriotism. Love of country is 
instinctive and universal, and men have died for country in every 
age, but in every age until the English Revolution, government and 
country have been convertible terms, and human history is not a 
history of the people, but almost to our time a continuous record of 
the follies and crimes and oppressions committed by kings and 
princes and nobles. 

The Great Teacher and Saviour of the race declared the rights 
and dignity of the individual man, as man, nineteen centuries ago; 
but the grand truth was never recognized and formulated by any 
civil government, until, more than 1200 years later, the great 
charter of English liberty was wrung from a reluctant king. For 
centuries afterward it was practically disregarded, but the seed 
sown in men's hearts slowly germinated and grew and became the 
tree of liberty under which our fathers gathered, and which they 
watered with their blood. 

Did time serve I might dwell upon the personal characteristics 
of the men who then dwelt in this region — of their manly fortitude 
in time of trial, of the wisdom and moderation which marked their 
deliberations, of the courage with which they confronted all adver- 
saries, of their respect for rightful authority, and their hatred of its 
abuse. I might tell how they braved the dangers of the frontier 
forest and subdued it to the uses of advancing civilization, whose 



52 HIS TORIC INTR OD UC TION. 

banner they bore ; how civil order prevailed among them while yet 
there was no organized power, legislative, executive or judicial, by 
which those functions could be exercised, and yet such was the self- 
governing capacity of these pioneers, for the most part plain 
farmers, that under the most trying emergencies, and without any 
of the ordinary appliances which pertain to government, in the 
maintenance of private rights and public rights and public order, 
they held both secure, and at the same time without stint gave of 
their scanty means, and offered themselves a ready sacrifice in sup- 
port of the common cause, of all which Ticonderoga, Hubbardton, 
Bennington, and Saratoga will stand as witnesses forever. 

They were no carpet knights, nor plumed cavaliers playing 
fantastic tricks of knight errantr}^ They were grim fighters, and 
they fought in their e very-day clothes ; but as they stood on that 
long summer day in deadly conflict with the hirelings of a half- 
demented king, who madly flung away the brightest jewel in his 
crown, every brave heart 'neath the yoeman's jacket beat with the 
loftiest inspiration of a courage born of faith in God, and in his 
eternal principles of justice, and in deathless devotion to country. 
JKvery patriot bullet was winged and instinct with this inspiration. 
While love of country flamed in their hearts, that word countrj^, 
meant far more to them than it did to the Greeks at Marathon. To 
them country stood for the people, secure in all natural rights and 
all the social and civil free institutions essential to their preserva- 
tion. They scorned kingly and priestly and lordly and every form 
of class privilege and prerogative. They were living epistles of a 
new faith. They were yeomen, they were warriors, they were 
statesmen. They were fit founders of a new^ system of government, 
so well epitomized by the immortal Lincoln as a " Government of 
the people, for the people, by the people." In this faith they lived, 
and for its triumphant establishment they fought, and conquered on 
yonder hillside. The honor of their grand achievement is the 
glorious inheritance of the three ^ew England States represented 
here to-day, from whose valleys and hillsides their patriotic sons, 
leaving wife and child and quiet home and peaceful pursuits, so 
swiftly rallied at the call of country. The fruits of their victory 
are the common heritage of the whole country for all time to come. 
Their heroic example is for mankind. The law of the conservation 
of force prevails in the moral as in the physical world. JS'othing is 
lost. The heroic life or heroic death in a just cause, though appar- 
ently hopeless, will some time bear rich harvest in reconversion into 
successful heroic action inspired by example. Such was the event 
and such the character of the actors therein, in reverent memory of 
which we are met on this anniversary day to perform this initial 
ceremony. We begin now the erection of a majestic and enduring 
memorial which shall in some degree symbolize our conception of 
an event so fraught with great results, and wrought, too, by an 
ancestry whose heroic character and achievement must forever 
challenge our admiration and gratitude. 

Let it rise majestic here, girt by these grand mountains, com- 
manding views of unmatched natural beauty, and overlooking the 
graves of the heroic dead. And so may it stand a mute but eloquent 







;;ii 

%. _ 




INDEPENDENT VERMONT. 53 

witness and memorial to all coming generations of the Battle of 
Bennington, and of the valor and virtue of the men who crowned 
the day, whose anniversary we celebrate, with glorious" victory. 

The Benediction was pronounced by the Rev. Isaac Jennings, 
his last public act, and the procession returned to the place of start- 
ing, where it was dismissed. 

The Cope-Stoxe. — The cope-stone, completing the masonry of 
the monument was laid Monday, November 25, 1889, in the pres- 
ence of a large concourse of people. The impromptu exercises closed 
with the singing of the Doxology, by thirty voices at the top of the 
structure. During the cementing process several of those present 
threw under the stone half and quarter-dollars and other coins. 



DIVISION IV. 



The Ixdepexdent State of Vermont. 

The Story of Vermont's Settlement, and Admission to the 
Union. — The dual nature of the celebration of 1891, leads the 
Editor of this volume to admit to these introductory pages an 
article, in explanation thereof, from the pen of Professor Charles S. 
Davis, written originally for the Centennial Bannei\ but, by request, 
revised especially for this work. It forms a fitting conclusion to 
the historic account prefatory to the celebration of August 19, 1891, 
as follows : 

Vermont, unlike any other New England State, was once an 
independent commonwealth. The original thirteen Colonies never 
had a separate, independent existence. Each was founded as a 
ward or dependency of some European power and held that relation 
until the Colonies unitedly declared themselves free and independ- 
ent, in 1776, and as one body proceeded to throw off the dominion 
of Great Britain. 

None of them ever made serious claim to a free and independent 
existence. In that respect Vermont differs from them all. For 
fourteen years she was held by her citizens to be as free from other 
governmental connection as any monarchy of the old world. She 
was not a dependency of Great Britain. She was in no political 
way bound to her sister states, but during the period named, she 
was to all intents and purposes an independent nation. 

Her early history may be divided into two periods : that of set- 
tlement., extending from near 1700 to her organization as an 
Independent State in 1777, and that of her independence^ covering 
the period from January 17, 1777, to her admission into the Fed- 



54 HISTORIC INTR OD UC TION. 

eral Union, March 4, 1791. The territory of the present State of 
Vermont was settled principally by people from Connecticut, New 
Hampshire, and Massachusetts. As early as 1749 a grant of a part 
of this territory was secured from New Hampshire, to which the 
present State belonged, by cession of the English king, made to the 
Council of Plymouth as early as 1620. These claims were mostly 
obtained by the original Green Mountain settlers under the title of 
the New Hampshire Grants, and by this name the region continued 
to be known until after the breaking out of the Revolutionary War. 
These settlers were a race of sturdy, aggressive, liberty-loving 
people who came to find a home in the wild forests of " the Grants," 
much as their Pilgrim progenitors had come from England to find a 
home in the more eastern wilds, nearly two hundred years before. 
A deep and abiding principle with these early settlers was the 
fixed belief in the total separation of Church and State. They were 
practically Separatists who would not tolerate the laws of Massa- 
chusetts, and other Colonies, which forced certain religious beliefs 
and practices upon an entire community. One of their first acts in 
their new home was to write upon their church records their 
unqualified belief in proper religious liberty, and to repudiate the 
doctrine of State interference in matters pertaining to the Church, 
and when, on the third of December in 1762, they organized "The 
First Church of Christ in Bennington," the first church organized 
in " the Grants," it was voted to exclude from their platform every- 
thing that recognized the right to use the civil law to support the 
gospel. 

These settlers were farmers, aggressive and self-reliant, not 
scholarly as scholarship is counted by the schools, but having that 
large degree of practical knowledge in civil affairs which schools 
and books do not furnish. They had the Bible and they were a 
people mighty in their Scriptural faith, and their belief in religious 
liberty allowed them to discuss and weigh its metaphysical bearings 
with a skill and freedom that made them trained debaters, and pre- 
pared them for the skillful exercise of their talents in the little 
town democracies which some one has called the training schools of 
popular self-government. The early settlers on " the Grants," were 
indeed well suited to the turbulent times in which they lived and 
for the struggle that lay before them, first in behalf of their oWn 
rights against the claims of New York, and, later, in defence of 
Colonial rights against the claims of the English King. It is safe 
to say that no people ever managed the affairs of peace or war more 
wisely or more courageously than they ; that none were ever more 
patriotic, self-sacrificing and earnest in their defence of a common 



INDEPENDENT VERMONT. 55 

cause, and that none ever showed keener political sagacity than the 
men who not only maintained their rights on "the Grants," but 
eventually made their settlement a sovereign state and maintained 
its independence against the world for a period of fourteen years, 
and exchanged that position only when they could secure another 
more desirable, — admission to the Union. 

The independence of Vermont grew out of a so-called rebellion 
of the settlers on the Kew Hampshire Grants. It came about in 
this way : The territorial limits of the present Vermont were 
originally within the jurisdiction of New Hampshire. Under titles 
gained from that Colony, the people obtained and held their lands 
and made their homes. The Colony of New York, to the west, was 
separated from these " Grants " by a line running from the North- 
west corner of Massachusetts to the head of Lake Champlain. 
Without notice to the settlers this boundary line was moved east- 
ward, by the English King in July, 1764, to the west bank of the 
Connecticut river, thus bringing all the people on the New Hamp- 
shire Grants into the Colony of New York. This might have 
prevailed had not these hardy settlers been informed by New York 
that they must now acquire new titles to their property, and pay 
that Province for them. 

Surveyors were sent to lay out the lands anew, and officers of 
the law came from Albany to dispossess the hardy mountaineers of 
their homes. It was then that the people on " the Grants " decided 
upon rebellion and the application of the principle that resistance to 
tyrants is obedience to God.. The resistance began in Bennington 
when Sheriff Ten Eyck and several hundred men came to seize the 
farm of James Breakenridge in July 1771. Bennington in town 
meeting had voted to jDrotect that farm and the sheriff's posse found 
the settlers of " the Grants," with Ethan Allen at their head, massed 
on the banks of the Walloomsac ready to teach them that " The 
gods of the valleys are not the gods of the hills." This was the 
" Bennington mob," but it was successful in defending the homes of 
the people on " the Grants " from the rapacity and greed of the 
Colonial Governors of New York. This " mob " was made up of 
the settlers in regard to whom a distinguished lady wrote : 

" They are fierce Republicans, refusing to become tenants to 
anyone and insisting on oioning lands they should occupy \ whose 
whole conversation is tainted with politics — Cromwellian politics ; 
who talk about slaves to arbitrary power, and whose indifference to 
the Mother Country and whose illiberal opinions and manners are 
extremely offensive to all loyal subjects of the King." 

The members of the Bennington "mob," made up of the settlers 



56 HIS TOBIC INTR OD UGTION. 

on " the Grants," are the same people of whom Burgoyne, later, 
wrote: "The New Hampshire Grants, in particular, a country- 
unpeopled in the last war [E'rench and Indian] now abounds in the 
most active and rebellious race of the continent and hangs like a 
gathering storm on my left." 

The period of Vermont's independence was from January 17, 
1777, to her admission to the Union in 1791. Her Declaration of 
Independence grew out of her land troubles with New York as told 
above. The State was formed from the territory of " the Grants " at 
a series of conventions, the first of which was held at the home of 
Cephas Kent in Dorset, in July 1776, at which place and time thirty- 
one delegates from " the Grants " assembled. The convention 
adjourned to meet September 25th, at the same place, when it was 
resolved " To take suitable measures, as soon as may be, to declare 
the New Hampshire Grants a separate district." These delegates 
again adjourned to meet at Westminster October 30, 1776, and 
once more to meet at the same place January 15, 1777. This con- 
vention at this time sat three days and about fifty-six delegates, 
representing thirty-six towns, were present. These delegates by 
resolution declared " That the district of territory comprehending 
and usually known by the name and description of the New Hamp- 
shire Grants, of right ought to be, and is hereby declared forever 
hereafter to be considered as a free and independent Jurisdiction or 
State, by the name of New Connecticut." 

This was reported on the third day of the convention in a 
Declaration of Independence, formulated by a committee, consisting 
of Nathan Clark, Ebenezer Hosington, Captain John Burnham, 
Jacob Burton, and Colonel Thomas Chittenden. It was at once 
adopted. This declaration of New Connecticut was published to 
the world, in the Coymecticut Courmit newspaper, March 16, 1777. 
The representatives of the freemen of this new district next met at 
Windsor, in the following June, when the name of " New Connecti- 
cut" was changed to Vermont. On the second of July, 1777, these 
representatives again met to form a Constitution for the State of 
Vermont. These meetings were held in the Old Constitution House, 
which is still standing. 

This constitution opens with a preamble setting forth in no 
uncertain terms the reasons for the making of a " free and independ- 
ent State." The convention was considering the adoption of this 
constitution when a terrified horseman rode up and announced the 
invasion of Burgoyne with an army of Hessians and savages. The 
news spread consternation among the members, and they were for 
going home at once, but fortunately they were delayed by a violent 



INDEPENDENT VERMONT. 57 

thunder storm during and amid the fire and artillery of which the 
constitution was adopted. 

Closely connected with the history of Vermont as an Indepen- 
dent State is the story of her efforts to gain admission to the Federal 
Union. Her effort in that direction, indeed, antedates the adoption 
of her State constitution, for on the 30th day of June, 1777, Congress 
voted to dismiss a petition, signed by Jonas Fay, Thomas Chitten- 
den, Heman Allen and Reuben Jones, asking that body to recognize 
her right to independence, and to admit her delegates to its councils. 
Congress, it would seem, was not ready to admit nor yet to deny 
the jurisdiction of New York over the territory of the Xew Hamp- 
shire Grants. That body, it is true, was often petitioned to. settle 
the dispute between the sections, but it always declined to do so^ 
and for a long time carefully refrained from expressing any opinion 
in regard to the merits of the controversy, evidently designing ta 
leave its settlement to the parties themselves. 

Vermont's troubles with her sister states, no doubt, kept her 
out of the Federal Union during the entire period of her indepen- 
dent existence, for whenever she sought admission, appeals were 
made by her enemies for the settlement of these difficulties. It 
must not be supposed that the formation of an independent State 
with a Governor and Council and all the political machinery for 
making and executing laws put an end to the territorial controversy 
between New York and Vermont. On the contrary, the organiza- 
tion of a state government was among the first effective steps taken 
by Vermont towards maintaining that controversy. For years 
afterward each continued to question and resist the authority of 
the other, often appealing to Congress, sometimes threatening civil 
war. This continued until 1784 when all question as to Vermont's 
authority was set at rest. Although this controversy kept Vermont 
out of the Union for a long time, it by no means diminished her 
importance and prestige. She not only maintained her authority, 
within her original limits, but she actually encroached upon both 
New York and New Hampshire. In January, 1781, representatives 
from all the towns for twenty miles east of the Connecticut River, 
met in convention at Charlestown, New Hampshire, and made 
application for admission to Vermont. About the same time a like 
application was made by the people of the towns of New York east 
of the Hudson River. 

After the matter had been gravely considered in various con- 
ventions, called for that purpose, and after the localities most inter- 
ested in the matter had voted upon it. Governor Chittenden, on the 
18th day of July, 1781, formally declared that Vermont had 



58 HIS TORIC INTR OD UC TION-. 

annexed the territory of New York westward to the Hudson River, 
and from Xew Hampsliire all the territory twenty miles to the east 
from the Connecticut River. Thus while New York and New 
Hampshire were each claiming Vermont, the latter State boldly 
added to herself an extent of their territory equal to that over which 
she originally claimed jurisdiction, and this on the application of 
their own dissatisfied citizens. Writing on this subject, one of 
Vermont's early historians well says, "No measures could have bet- 
ter exhibited the genius of her statesmen, and none could have more 
effectually contributed to sustain her independence. By this bold 
and decisive policy, she augmented her resources, compelled the 
respect of her enemies and gained the confidence of her friends." 

These facts go to show that the government of the Independent 
State of Vermont was liberal and efficient, and popular in other 
states as well as at home. They explain the statement, often dis- 
puted, that parts of the present State of New York were once under 
the jurisdiction of Vermont, and they point out why Vermont's 
admission to the Union was so long delayed, as Avell as why it was 
opposed by New Hampshire. 

Vermont's action shifted the issue of the controversy between 
herself on the one side, and New York and New Hampshire on the 
other. Those states in the early part of the difficulty boldly dis- 
cussed the question of dividing Vermont between them on the line 
of the Green Mountains. They now not only ceased to consider that 
question, but they freely acknowledged her jurisdiction over her 
original territory, and were only concerned lest she could never be 
kept on the reservation, lest she might eventually reach out and 
extend her domain so as to include them both. They really feared 
annihilation. Between New York and Vermont the question was 
no longer a question of the latter's supremacy on the New Hamp- 
shire Grants. That question was of little importance in the light of 
Vermont's later tendency to annex New York. The latter's desire 
in the controversy now was to have Vermont relinquish her juris- 
diction over the strip of land between the Hudson River and 
Vermont's original western boundary. Whenever she sought 
■admission to the Union — a thing she continued to do, although her 
people for a time came to care less and less about it — her admission 
was unitedly opposed by New York and New Hampshire on the 
ground that Vermont should first restore to them the annexed 
territory over which she had so arbitrarily assumed jurisdiction. 

Vermont as an Independent State, having begun to enlarge her 

boundaries by the conquest of her neighbors, now attracted the 

lustful attention of England. That government sent letters to 



INDEPENDENT VERMONT. 59 

Ethan Allen, proposing an alliance of Vermont with the Crown. 
General Allen, v/riting from Sunderland on the 9th of March, 1781, 
forwarded the letters, which at that time he had not answered, to 
the President of Congress, and with them a request that Vermont 
be admitted into the Union. Ethan Allen held that if Vermont 
were now refused admission, she would have the right to form any 
other alliance she might choose to form. As a matter of fact, Ethan 
Allen and other Vermont leaders were insincerely toying with the 
agents of England, and leading them to believe that there were hopes 
of an alliance between Vermont and the Crown. This was done 
with the double purpose of warding off the threatened attack of 
England, and of securing favorable terms of admission to the Fed- 
eral Union. While in reality anythiug else was more probable than 
an alliance of Vermont with England, the plan of seeming to favor 
such a step was one of masterly statesmanship, and it was the only 
course that saved not only Vermont, but Xew York as well, from 
the combined and successful attacks of the British and Indians from 
the Xorth. This was a critical period for Vermont. But the 
enduring courage and the wise statesmanship of her public men 
carried her safely through the storm whose clouds for awhile 
allowed no friendlj^ star to shine. 

The mysterious negotiations with England naturally stimulated 
Congress to more speedy action in regard to Vermont's admission 
to the Union. Accordingly on the 20th of August, 1781, after much 
examination of the question, as represented by parties from the 
states most concerned. Congress by resolution offered to admit 
Vermont according to her original extent of territory. This the 
General Assembly of Vermont declined to accept. Thus the matter 
stood when the Vermont Legislature in session at Charlestown, on 
the East side of the Connecticut River, adjourned in October, 
1781, to meet in Bennington on the last Thursday of the fol- 
lowing January. • 

The vexed questions in regard to Vermont's admission to the 
Union were now those touching her eastern and western annexa- 
tions. Congress freely offered to guarantee her jurisdiction over all 
the territory originally claimed for her, and to admit such territory 
to the Union. The Vermont Legislature, as before stated, declined 
to accept the proposition, because it required the relinquishment of 
the eastern and western annexations. But when the Legislature, 
which had adjourned at Charlestown to meet at Bennington, next 
assembled, as it did early in 1782, Governor Chittenden laid before 
that body a letter from General Washington, strongly urging Ver- 
mont to give up her recently acquired territory, in accordance with 



60 iriS TORIC INTR OD UC TION. 

the desires of Congress. AccorcliDgly on the 21st of February 1782, 
the Vermont Legislature, at Bennington, without division, voted to 
give up the eastern and western territory and to apply to Congress 
once more for admission as a State, and Jonas Fay, Moses Robinson, 
Paul Spooner and Isaac Tichenor were appointed agents of Vermont 
to'settle with Congress the terms of her admission into the Federal 
Union. Thus it came about in March, 1782, that a committee of 
Congress again reported favorably upon the question of Vermont's 
Amission, but with strange inconsistency the report was not acted 
upon. The agents of the State, therefore, on the 19th of April, 
1782, after administering a dignified written rebuke to Congress for 
its bad faith, returned to Bennington. It was plain to these men 
that although Vermont had followed the advice of Washington and 
complied with the earlier resolutions of Congress, as to the 
relinquishment of her eastern and western territory, yet New York 
had secured the hostility of that body to Vermont's admission to 
the Union. This treatment of Vermont encouraged her old enemies, 
New York and New Hampshire, and intensified the bitterness that 
had so long existed. Trouble soon occurred that for a time 
threatened civil war. Congress at once took sides and on the 5th 
day of December, 1782, passed resolutions of a nature entirely hos- 
tile to Vermont, and threatened to enforce them by armed invasion 
of the State. At this juncture Washington earnestly objected to 
such employment of the army, and although New York urged 
immediate action. Congress hesitated to enforce its resolution. 
Vermont, through her Legislature and particularly by a sharp let- 
ter, written by Governor Chittenden from Arlington, April 26, 1784, 
vigorously resented the unwarranted interference of Congress. 
That body to make amends at once referred to a committee the old 
question of Vermont's admission to the Union. On the 29th of May 
the committee made a favorable report. On the od of June it was 
moved to postpone another matter, to vote upon the admission of 
Vermont, but the vote to postpone was not carried. This was the 
"last time the Vermont question ever came up in the Continental 
'Congress, and the question of her independence was never again 
raised anywhere. From that time until her admission to the Union, 
in 1791, she exercised unquestioned all the rights of a free and 
independent country. She established a standard of weights and 
measures, regulated the value and fineness of coins, passed an act 
giving to Reuben Harmon, Jr., of Rupert, the exclusive privilege of 
coining copper, established postoffices and appointed a Postmaster- 
General, and enacted other like measures for the public good. It 
was evident that all claims of other states to jurisdiction over her 



INDEPENDENT YEBMONT. 61 

territory were gone forever. It soon became a question witii the 
leading men everywhere, even in Xew York, whether it were not 
for the interests of all to secure Vermont's admission to the Union. 
Alexander Hamilton urged it. The Xew York Legislature passed 
measures consenting to it, and the project grew in favor everywhere. 
There was, however, one unsettled question that was a source 
of much discontent. Many residents of Xew York claimed title to 
property in Vermont. Some of these claims, though conflicting 
with the claims of Vermonters, were, no doubt, just. Of course 
these titles were secure to the people of Vermont as long as she 
might remain independent, but should she be admitted to the 
Union the claims of people in Xew York might be revived, for 
under the new order of things, the Federal courts would have juris- 
diction in matters of dispute between citizens of different states. 
So as time passed on and old feuds and bitterness died out, it was 
everywhere acknowledged that for the peace and security of all 
parties, and to insure and to make all titles to property in Vermont 
forever clear beyond question, the matter of conflicting property 
claims should have immediate settlement. Accordingly on the 23d 
of October, 1789, the Vermont Legislature passed an act appointing 
Isaac Tichenor, Stephen R. Bradley, Xathaniel Chipman, Elijah 
Paine, Ira Allen, Stephen Jacob, and Israel Smith, as commissioners 
to confer with certain other commissioners to be appointed by the 
NewYork Legislature and giving them full power to settle all ques- 
tions between Xew York and Vermont. After various meetings and 
adjournments it was settled that Vermont should pay Xew York 
$30,000 in extinguishment of all claims which citizens in the latter 
State might have to property in Vermont. On the 28th of October, 

1790, the Vermont Legislature voted to pay this sum to Xew York, 
and as its payment removed the last objection to Vermont's admission 
to the Union, at the same session a convention was called to meet at 
Bennmgton on the 6th of January, 1791, to consider the adoption of 
the Ignited States constitution. On the 10th of the same month it was 
ratified by a vote of 105 to two. The Legislature at the same time, 
holding an adjourned session in Bennington, appointed Xathaniel 
(Jhipman and Lewis R. Morris to negotiate with Congress the terms 
of Vermont's admission into the Union, and on the 18th of February, 

1791, that body without debate or objection passed an act declar- 
ing "That on the 4th day of March, 1791, the said State, by the name 
and style of the State of Vermont, shall be received into this L^nion 
as a new and entire member of the United States of America." 

This in brief is an abridged outline of the story of Vermont's 
settlement and existence as " the Grants," of her independence, and. 



62 HIS TORIC IJSTTR OD UC TION. 

finally, of her efforts and success in gaming admission to the Union, 
the celebration of the centennial of which is one of the dual observ- 
ances of 1891. The story in detail is one of striking and unusual 
interest, and one that attracted great attention in early times. Ver- 
mont's cause won the admiration and enlisted the eloquence of 
Patrick Henry, who praised her and her Spartan mountaineers for 
their persistent courage in defending rights that in other colonies 
had been surrendered to English greed without a blow. In the 
light of her story it is easy to read the illustrious and romantic 
character of her people. Throughout her history they have been 
sturdy, independent and honest, quick to defend their rights and to 
demand justice for themselves, and as quick to accord justice to 
others. Seldom uncertain in choosing between absolute right and 
expedient wrong, Vermont has always stood at the head of the 
column in the great controversies vital to the cause of humanity and 
the safety of the Union. 

Thus when slavery, if not existent, was at least protected in 
almost every state, Vermont through one of her judges said that a 
bill of sale transferring a negro to be valid must be in hand- writing 
and under the seal of the Almighty, and when the thunder of can- 
non shook the Carolinas in '61, the spirits of Warner and Allen and 
their brave followers in the struggles on " the Grants " seemed 
stalking abroad to rouse again the hardy yeomanry of the Green 
Mountains to service for their country, and the answer came in a 
victory shout from a hundred Southern fields. As her mountain 
hamlets have been in the past, so they will be in the future, nurser- 
ies of freedom as enduring as her beauty and her everlasting hills. 



PART I. 



The Dedication of the Bennington Battle Monument^ and the Centen- 
nial Celebration of the Admission of Vermont into the Union. The 
Acts passed hy the States of Verinont^ JSfew Ha^npshire^ and Massa- 
chusetts; The Preparatio7i made for the Event. The Grand 
Procession^ and Incidents Attending its Line of March. The 
Exercises at the Monument^ including the Introductory BemarJcs^ 
Prayer hy the Chaplain, Address of Welcome, Transfer of the Mon- 
ument to the State, its Acceptance in behalf of the Commonwealth, 
The Oration, Address hy The President, and the Benediction. The 
Banquet, and Postprandial Speeches. 

CHAPTER I. 

Official Acts and PuEPAEATiOJsr. 

The Preparatory Stage. — The completion of the masonry of 
the monument, in November, 1889, gave ample time for such pre- 
liminary steps as might be taken to ensure a suitable dedication of 
the structure, as well as opportunity to complete the interior, 
according to the plans adopted, before that date should arrive. The 
•Centennial of the Admission of the State into the Union occurring 
March 4, 1891, at an inclement season of the year in this latitude, it 
was decided to celebrate that important event in conjunction with 
the Sixteenth of August celebration. The exact anniversary of the 
Battle of Bennington falling upon Sunday, the date of the dual 
observance was fixed by statute for August 19th. The Legislature 
of 1890, passed the following " Act" being " Number 175," of that 
session : 

An Act Providing for the Dedication of the Bennington Bat- 
tle Monument, and the Centennial Celebration of the 
Admission of Vermont as a State. 

It is hereby enacted^ hy the General Assembly of the State of Ver- 
m.ont, as folloios : 

Section 1. The Governor is hereby directed to invite, in the 
name of the State of Vermont, the National Government, and the 
States of New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, to unite with the 
State of Vermont in the Dedication of the Bennington Battle Monu- 
ment, and Celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Admission of 
Vermont as a State, at Bennington, August 19, 1891. 



64 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

Section 2. The Governor of Vermont, with the Lieutenant- 
Governor, Speaker of the House, State Treasurer, and Secretary of 
State, shall constitute a committee of five which shall have the 
arrangement and general charge and management of the ceremonies 
attending the Dedication of said monument, and Centennial cele- 
bration, and, in the name of the State, shall issue all invitations to 
mvited guests. 

Section 3. All bills relating to the expense incurred in carry- 
ing out the provisions of the preceding sections, shall, on approval 
of at least three of said committee, be audited by the Auditor of 
Accounts, and, on his order, paid out of the State treasury. 

Section 4. It shall be the duty of the Governor to call the 
annual encampment of the National Guard of Vermont at Benning- 
ton during the week of the dedication of said monument. 

Approved Xovember 25, 1890. 

The Official State Committee, created by Section 1 of this stat- 
ute, organized early, and the Governor, under date of February 10, 
1891, duly forwarded to the President of the United States, and to 
the Governors of New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, the cordial 
invitation directed by the Act. 

It was early learned from these Executives that they heartily 
responded, and would accept, if possible, and participate, with the 
Green Mountain State in the celebrations. The Legislature of New 
Hampshire passed the following : 

Joint Resolution Relating to the Dedication of the Benning- 
ton Battle Monument, and the Centennial Celebration of 
THE Admission of Vermont into the Union. 

Mesolved., by the Senate and House of Hepresentatwes in General 
Court co7ivened : 

That the Legislature of New Hampshire accept the invitation 
of the Governor of Vermont, transmitted by direction of the Legis- 
lature of that State, to unite with the States of Vermont and 
Massachusetts in the exercises attending the Dedication of the Ben- 
nington Battle Monument, and the Centennial Celebration of the 
Admission of Vermont into the Union. 

Resolved, That the sum of thirty-five hundred dollars, or so 
much thereof as may be necessary, be and hereby is appropriated^ 
out of any money in the the treasury not otherwise appropriated, to 
pay the expenses for transportation of equipage and such of the 
military of the State as may attend the Dedication Df the Bennington 
Battle Monument, on the 19th of August next, such material and 
troops to be designated by the Governor, with the advice and con- 
sent of the Council and the Adjutant-General. 

Resolved, That the Secretary of State be instructed to transmit 
a copy of this resolution to the Governor of the State of Vermont 
and to the Bennington Battle Monument Association. 

Approved March 19, 1891. 

The Legislature of Massachusetts, also, responded by passing 





'crm^i [j7y<DM4^ 




THE OFFICIAL PREPARA TION, 65 

"Chapter 92," of the "Resolves of 1891," and the Secretary of the 
Commonwealth, under date of June 18th, issued an order " That 
Major-General Samuel Dalton, Adjutant-General, be authorized to 
incur such expenses, not to exceed the amount appropriated as may 
be necessary," etc., to carry into effect the 

Resolve Relating to the Dedication of the Bexxixgton Battle 
Monument. 

Resolved^ That in order to accept the invitation of the Legisla- 
ture of Vermont requesting' the participation of the Commonwealth 
in the approaching Dedication of the Bennington Battle Monument, 
at Bennington, Vermont, in August of the present year, and the 
Celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the Admission of 
Vermont as a State, there be allowed and paid out of the treasury of 
the Commonwealth a sum not exceeding twenty-seven hundred 
dollars, to be expended under the direction of the Governor and 
Council, to enable the Commonwealth to be properly represented 
through the following officials of the State Government : the Gov- 
ernor and not more than ten members of his Staff", the Lieutenant- 
Governor, the members of the Council, the Secretary of the Com- 
monwealth, Attorney- General, Treasurer and Receiver- General, 
Auditor, President and Clerk of the Senate, Speaker and Clerk of 
the House of Representatives, the joint Committee on Federal 
Relations, a special committee, to consist of five members of the 
Senate and fourteen members of the House of Representatives, to be 
appointed by the presiding officers of the two branches, the Brigade 
and Battalion Commanders of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, 
Sergeant-at-Arms, and a reporter from each Boston daily paper. 
Approved May 3, 1891. 

Meantime, as early as February 28, 1891, a public meeting of the 
citizens of Bennington was held for the purpose of effecting a per- 
manent organization, in the interest of the proposed celebration and 
dedication, auxiliary to the State Committee. An adjournment was 
had until March 2nd, to hear the report of a committee of seven (of 
which Colonel L. F. Abbott, of the Governor's Staff, was chairman), 
chosen to nominate a " Committee of Fifty" for the purposes stated. 
The gentlemen named were elected and appear below, sub-divided 
in their respective committees. The local organization was made 
necessary bj^ reason of the distance apart of the Official State Com- 
mittee, and their residence so far from the scene of the proposed 
event. 

March 31st a joint meeting was held in Bennington, of the 
" Official State Committee," and of the " Citizens Committee of 
Fifty." Governor Page presided, and the meeting resolved itself 
into a " committee of the whole " for the general discussion of the 
details of the celebration. Among the gentlemen present, not mem- 
bers of the aforesaid committees, we note : Quartermaster- General 
Wm. H. Gilmore, Adjutant- General Theo. S. Peck, Brigadier-Gen- 



66 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

eral Wm. L. Greenleaf, General John G. McCuUough, ex-Governor 
John W. Stewart, Colonels Julius J. Estey, M. S. Colburn, W. H. 
H. Slack, M. J. Horton, L. F. Abbott ; and Hon. Henry G. Root, 
Major A. B. Valentine, Hon. James K. Batchelder, Messrs. J. T. 
Shurtleff, Chas. E. De^Yey, and others of the Battle Monument 
Association. 

At this meeting the action taken by the citizens of Bennington, 
was ratified, and the organization of the committees was promul- 
gated as follows : 

Official State Committee. — Appointed hy Act No. 175 of the 
Eaiosofl^^O. — His Excellency Carroll S. Page, Governor of Ver- 
mont; His Honor Henry A. Fletcher, Lieutenant-Governor; Hon. 
Hosea Mann, Jr., Speaker of the House; Hon. Henry F. Field, State 
Treasurer ; Hon. Chauncey W. Brownell, Jr., Secretary of State. 

Citizens Committee of Fifty. — Auxiliary to Official State 
Committee. — John V. Carney, President; Edward L. Bates, Secre- 
tary. Executive Committee, John V. Carney, John S. Holden, 
Henry T. Cushman 2nd, Edward L. Bates, William C. Bull, Irving E. 
Gibson, Edward D. Bennett, Henry L. Stillson, Asaph P. Childs. 
Finance, John S. Holden, George F. Graves, Charles G. R. Jennings, 
William _B. Sheldon, Edward W. Bradford, Edward D. Welling, 
Edward J. Hall. Entertainment, Henry T. Cushman, 2nd, Alfred 
Robinson, Lyman Rogers, C. Welling Thatcher, A. S. M. Chisholm, 
George A. Robinson, Henry D. Fillmore, Cyrus D. Gibson, Emmett 
B. Daley, Frederick S. Pratt, Frederick L. Bowen. Banquet and 
tents, John V. Carney, Henry S. Bingham, Robert J. Coffey, Rufus 
B. Godfrey, Burt C. Jenney, Edwin S. Chandler, Frank M. Tiffany. 
Music, Edward L. Bates, Emmett B. Daley, Rudolph O. Goldsmith, 
Alexander J. Cooper, Charles H. Darling. Decoration, William C. 
Bull, Frank G. Mattison, J. Ed. Walbridge, Thomas White, Norman 
M. Puffer, Harrison I. Norton, Edward L. Norton, Alexander K. 
Ritchie, Frank M. Tiffany. Carriages, Irving E. Gibson, John S. 
Lyman, John Robinson, Edwin D. Moore, Arthur J. Dewey, William 
J. Meacham. Transportation, Edward D. Bennett, Charles H. Mason, 
Emory S. Harris, H. Charles Lindloff', Frank W. Goodall. Printing, 
Henry J^. Stillson, James H. Livingston, Richard M. Houghton, 
Norman AL Puffier, Harrison I. Norton. Pyrotechnics, Asaph P. 
Childs, E. Livingston Sibley, Henry J. Potter, Jr., Mortimer T. 
Hamlin. 

Aside from this list several gentlemen were efficient as chair- 
men and members of special committees of the Masonic Fraternity, 
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and various other organiza- 
tions that appeared in the line. The State Committee, the several 
chairmen of the sub-committees, as well as the officers of each, were 
-untiring and earnest in all the labor involved, and were ably 
seconded by every one connected with their respective committees. 

The Centennial Commission, thus organized, met often, fre- 
quently in Bennington, and sometimes in Rutland, wherever it was 



THE OFFICIAL PHEPAliATION. 67 

practicable to call the majority together, and in this way they per- 
fected the arrangements. Section 4, of the Act, directing the 
Governor to call the Annual Encampment of the Vermont National 
Guard at Bennington, seemed to imply a procession under military 
auspices. It was proposed by Major A. B. Valentine, and seconded 
by several, that such action be taken, and the committee unani- 
mously agreed thereto. Accordingly the following was issued : 

State of Vermont, 
Office of Secretary of State, 

MoxTPELiER, Vt., June 1, 1891. 
Order Number Oyie. 

Brigadier-General William L. Greenleaf, commanding the 
Vermont National Guard, is hereby designated as Chief Marshal at 
the Dedication of the Bennington Battle Monument and Centennial 
Celebration of the Adaiission of Vermont as a State, to be held at 
Bennington, Vt., Wednesday, August 19, 1891. 

As such Marshal he will provide suitable escorts for distin- 
guished guests, and have charge of all matters relating to the 
parade to be held in connection with the celebration. 

Military organizations and civic societies invited to participate 
in the parade will report to him at as early a date as practicable, 
for assignment to position in line, giving the name of the com- 
mander or chief officer, and the number of men expected to be 
present; also whether the organization will be accompanied by a 
band or other music. By order of 

Carroll S. Page, Governor, Chairman of Committee. 

Chau:n^cey W. Browxell, Jr., Secretary of State, 

Secretary of Committee. 

The Hon. Wheelock G. Veazey was chosen President of the 
Day, and the Hon. Edvrard J. Phelps, was, likewise, with cordial 
unanimity, elected Orator of the occasion, and both accepted. 
The Rev. Charles Parkhurst, D.D., of Boston, Mass., was asked to 
to be Chaplain, and he, also, consented to act. 

One of the contingencies to be provided for, early noted by the 
auxiliary committee, was the entertainment of the thousands who 
would probably come, especially the State guests. Of the latter 
over 1600 invitations were sent out, and probably from 1300 to 1400 
answered and were present. The Committee on Entertainment 
organized a system by which each guest was met on his arrival, and 
assigned to a place among the hospitable homes of Bennington. 
The Committee on Banquet and Tents ably supplemented these 
labors, and the tenting accommodations, in addition to those referred 
to, were adequate to lodge and feed a much larger number of people; 
so that it appeared, says a newspaper reporter, that the problem had 
been solved of putting a 50,000 assembly into a 4000 town, in spite 
of predictions to the contrary. North Bennington efficiently sec- 



68 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

onded these efforts, and to the people there many of our guests, 
distinguished or otherwise, are indebted for their entertainment 
while here. 

Souvenir programmes were issued by the Committee on Print- 
ing and an edition, of 20,000 32-page pamphlets, containing railroad 
rates from all points in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, 
and Northern New York, was issued and distributed. During the 
celebration, another edition, of 20,000 Official Programmes, revised 
to that date, was also distributed. 

The Committee on Transporation and the various railroads each 
contributed their full share toward the success of the great event. 
The railroads associated, principally, were the Bennington & Rut- 
land, the Central Vermont, the Fitchburg, the Connecticut River, 
the Boston & Maine system, as well as the Lebanon Springs, Wells 
River, and other shorter roads. Especially to the first, which fur- 
nished the terminal accommodations, is credit due. That the great 
number who attended were brought here and safely returned to 
their homes is a feat in railroading seldom equalled, considering the 
circumstances. 

Without going farther into detail, the story of the proceedings 
told in subsequent pages, will give the proper history of the main 
actors in the preparation for, and consummation of, this undertak- 
ing. The just tribute paid to the Official State Committee, in Part 
II., is referred to in this connection, as well as to others receiving 
due credit in other portions of this work. 



CHAPTER II. 

The Procession and its Incidents. 

The day dawned clear and beautiful, and at an early hour, 
by five o'clock, nearly everybody in town was busy with their 
preparation for the great parade, the notable celebration, and all 
that followed it, closing with the pyrotechnic display in the evening. 
The most conservative estimates did not place the gathering at less 
than 30,000 people, while the calculations of a greater number went 
as high as 40,000 and above. It was very generally conceded that 
the number was somewhat less that at the Centennial in 1877, but 
the arrangements were more nearly perfect and the enjoyment 
greater. Everything radiated from the Soldiers' Home as a 
rendezvous, which, with its spacious grounds, it is not to be 
doubted, contributed very much to the success of the occasion. 



THE GRAND PROCESSION. 69 

The New York Tribune says: "The events commemorated were 
celebrated in a manner befittmg the occasion, and worthy of the 
patriotic descendants of those who fonght for liberty and indepen- 
dence at Bennington, Bunker Hill, and in the other battles of the 
Revolution." 

Report of Chief Marshal. — The Report of the Chief Marshal, 
with the corrected list of organizations inline, comprises the facts 
of the procession in a condensed form, as follows : 

Office of the Chief Marshal, 
BuRLiNGTOx, Vt., September 19, 1891. 
Sis Excellency, Carroll S. Page, Chairman of the Comtnittee, Hyde 
Park, Vermont. 

Sir: — I have the honor to submit my report as Marshal of the 
parade in connection with the Dedication of the Bennington Battle 
Monument, and Celebration of the -Centennial of the Admission of 
Vermont into the Union, August 19, 1891. * -3^ * 

Owing to the fact that quite a number of organizations, partici- 
pating in the parade, did not report until after the formation of the 
column had commenced, the "Order in Column," as given in Orders 
No. 2, is incomplete, and a corrected list of the organizations in line, 
with the number of men present, is herewith transmitted. 

In accordance with the announcement, in Orders No. 2, the pro- 
cession moved from the grounds of the Soldiers' Home promptly at 
10 o'clock, A. M. a delay of a few minutes was occasioned after 
the start by reason of the crowd about the carriage of President 
Harrison ; with this exception there were no delays at any point. 
The head of the column reached the Monument grounds at 11.15, 
and the last carriage was unloaded at 12.30. The services at the 
Monument having been completed, at 2.30, P. M., the column was 
reformed for the return march. The rear of the first division, with 
the distinguished guests, reached the " Home " at 3.20, P. M., and 
the different organizations were at once dismissed. 

The column included eighty-eight military and civic organiza- 
tions, twelve bands, six drum corps, and one hundred and eight 
carriages. While the number of men in line was probably some- 
what less than at the Centennial Anniversary of the battle, in 1877, 
there were a larger number of handsomely uniformed bodies, and 
many gentlemen of large experience in such matters have pro- 
nounced the parade the finest ever witnessed in Vermont. 

In closing this report, I desire to commend to your Excellency 
the Commanders of organizations, and the members of the Staff for 
the interest manifested, and for the intelligence and skill displayed 
in the execution of orders, which contributed so largely in making 
the parade an honor and credit to the State. Especial attention is 
called to John A. Logan Mounted Post, No. 88, G. A. R., Hon. H. G. 
Hibbard, Commander, for its valuable services in escorting Presi- 
dent Harrison from North Bennington to the Soldiers' Home. 

I would also take this opportunity of expressing my sincere 
thanks to your Excellency, and the other gentlemen of the Com- 



70 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL 

mittee, for the honor conferred upon me by the appointment as 
Marshal, and for the many courtesies at your hands during the 
preparation for the celebration. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

William L. Greenleaf, Brig. -Gen. V. N, G., 

Chief Marshal. 

Formation of the Column for the Parade. — 

Platoon of ten Mounted Ofiacers, commanded by John Robinson, 

Sheriff. 
Platoon of thirteen Police, commanded by John Nash, Chief of 

Police. 
Brig.-Gen. Wm. L. Greenleaf, Chief Marshal. 
Bvt. Lieut. -Col. Marcus D. Greene, Chief of Staff" ; Bvt. Lieut.- Col. 
William Smith, Chief Quartermaster ; Maj. Robert J. Coffey, 
Provost Marshal. 
Personal Aides — Capt. Ralph VV. Hoyt, 11th Infantry, U. S. A. ; 
Capt. Herbert S. Foster, 20th Infantry, U. S. A. 
Orderly — Color Bearer — Bugler. 
Escort. — John A. Logan Mounted Post, No. 88, Department of Ver- 
mont, G. A. R., H. G. Hibbard, Commander, 28 men. 

FIRST DIVISION RED FLAG. 

Col. Julius J. Estey, First Regiment, V. N. G., Assistant Marshal, 

commanding. 
Aides. — Lieut. James A. Lillis, Lieut. Charles H. Fuller, Lieut. J. 
Gray Estey, and Lieut Arthur G. Eaton, of the First Regi- 
ment, V. N. G. 
Orderly — Color Bearer — Orderly. 
Rublee's Band, of Lake Village, N. H., 26 pieces. 
Maj. Charles H. Bartlett, commanding Battalion of Amoskeag 

Veterans, of Manchester, N. H. 
jStaf^. — Adjt. John Gannon, Jr.; Judge Advocate, Henry E. Burn- 
ham; Chaplain, W. H. Morrison; Surgeon, M. B. Sullivan; 
Asst. Surg., C. E. Dodge ; Paymaster, Charles L. Har- 
mon ; Quartermaster, Moses Wadleigh. 
Company A. — Captain Benjamin F. Clark, 30 men. 
Company B. — Captain George II. Wilson, 30 men. 
(As escort to reviewing party in carriages.) 
First carriage, — President Benjamin Harrison ; Governor C. S. Page, 

of Vermont; Col. W. Seward Webb, A. D. C. 

Maj. John S. Drennan and Detail from the Department of Vermont, 

G. A. R., as Guard of Honor; and eighteen carriages. 

(Names in full will be found in Part II., Chap. II.) 

Montpelier Military Band, 40 pieces. 

First Regiment, Vermont National Guard, Lieut.-Col. Charles C. 

Kinsman, commanding. 

Maj. Geo. H. Bond; Maj. John H. Watson; Maj. Calvin W. Evans; 

Lieut. B. B. Perkins, Acting Adjutant; Maj. James N. Jenne, 

Surgeon ; Lieut. W. D. Huntington, Lieut. Henry H. Lee, 

Asst. Surgeons ; Capt. John D. Wyman, I. R. P. ; 

Rev. Howard F. Hill, Chaplain. 




^li 




THE GRAND PROCESSION. 71 

Co. D. — St. Johnsbury Guard, St. Johnsbury — Capt. A. W. Rob- 
erts, 51 men. 
Co. C. — Sprague Guard, Brandon — Capt. J. W. Syraons, 51 men. 
Co. I. — Estey Guard, Brattleboro — Capt. F. VV. Childs, 51 men. 
Co. A. — Kingsley Guard, Rutland — Capt. T. A. Davis, 51 men. 
Co. K. — Bennington Rifles, Bennington — Capt. H. D. Fillmore, 

51 men. 
Co. F. — New England Guard, Northfield — Capt.G.C.Bates, 51 men. 
Co. M. — Frontier Guard, Richford — Capt. W. S. Thayer, 51 men. 

Co, B. — Barlow Grays, St. Albans — Capt. J. H. Mimms, 51 men. 

Co. E. — Spencer Rifles, Barre — Lieut. Fred B. Mudgett, 50 men. 

Co. L. — Newport Rifles, Newport — Capt, G. D. Pratt, 51 men. 

Co. G. — Bradford Guard, Bradford — Capt. C. E. Clark, 51 men. 

Co. H. — Capitol Guard, Montpelier — Capt. O. D. Clark, 51 men. 

First Regiment Band, N. H. N. G., 30 pieces. 

Battalion, New Hampshire National Guard, Maj. Francis O. Nims, 

commanding. 

Lieut. Frank B, Perkins, 1st Regt,, Adjutant ; Lieut. Arthur M. 

Dodge, 3d Regt,, Quartermaster ; Lieut. Robert Burns, 

3d Regt., Asst. Surgeon. 

Company H., First Regt,, Manchester, Capt. J. H. Soly, 49 men. 

Company G., Second Regt., Keene, Capt. O. E. Upham, 49 men. 

Company C., Third Regt,, Concord, Capt. W. C. Trenoweth, 49 men. 

Doring's Band, Troy, N. Y., 24 pieces. 

Twenty-First Separate Company, N. G. S. N. Y. (Tibbits Corps), 

of Troy, N. Y., Capt. Jas. H. Lloyd, commanding, 83 men. 

Light Guard Drum Corps, North Adams, Mass,, 10 pieces. 

Light Guard Battalion, North Adams, Mass., Maj. F. H. Flemming, 

commanding, 60 men. 

Company B., Second Regt,, M. V. M., Amherst, Mass,, Capt. E. G. 

Thayer, commanding, 32 men. 

Thirty-Second Separate Company Band, 27 pieces. 

Thirty-Second Separate Company, N. G. S. N, Y., Hoosick Falls, 

N. Y., Capt. Charles ^Y. Eddy, commandiug, 76 men. 
Battery B., Fourth Artillery, U. S. A,,Bvt.-Maj. Harry B. Gushing, 

commanding, 53 men. 

First Light Battery, Vermont National Guard, Bvt,-Col. Levi K. 

Fuller, commanding, 80 men. 

SECOND DIVISION WHITE FLAG. 

Col. Albert W. Metcalf, Second Regiment, N. H. N. G., Assistant 

Marshal, commanding. 
Aides. — Maj. Charles E. Nelson, V. N. G. ; Lieut. Sumner Nims, 
N. H. N. G.; Gen. Levi G. Kingslev, G. A. R. ; Gen. Chas. F. 
Branch, K. T.; Capt. F. L.^Greene, S. of V. 

Orderly — Color Bearer — Orderly. 

U. S. Military Academy Band, 30 pieces. 

Lieut. -Col. H. S. Hawkins, U. S. A., Commandant Corps of Cadets, 

\j. S, Military Academy, 
^^a/". — Capt. W. F. Spiergin, 21st Infantry; Capt. W. Fitzhugh 
Carter, Medical Dep't; First Lieut. J. D. C. Haskins, 3d Artil- 
lery ; First Lieut. E. E. Hardin, 7th Infantry ; First Lieut. 
W. W. Gilbraith, 5th Artillery ; 



72 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

First Lieut. John A. Johnston, 8th Cavalry ; First Lieut. Dan'l L. 
Tate, 3d Cavalry; Second Lieut. T. Bentley Mott, 1st Artillery. 
CoriDS of Cadets, U. S. Military Academy, West Point, 240 men. 
Proctor sville Cornet Band, 25 pieces. 
Department of Vermont, Grand Army of the Republic, D. L. Mor- 
gan, Commander, and Staff, 600 men, 20 flags. 
Fairfax Drum Corps, 10 pieces. 
Willard Post, G. A. Pv., Troy, N. Y., Chas. M. Leet, Commander, 

60 men. 

Rochester Drum Corps, 10 pieces. 

Vermont Veteran Association of Boston, Mass., John J. Warden, 

President, 30 men. 
Mount Calvary Mounted Commandery, No. 1, K. T., Middlebury, 
Sir Frank A. Goss, Eminent Commander, 56 men. 
(As special escort to Grand Commandery.) 
Grand Commandery, Knights Templars of Vermont, Right Eminent 
Kittridge Haskins, Grand Commander ; Marsh O. Perkins, 
Deputy Grand Commander; Warren G. Reynolds, 
Grand Recorder. 
St. Albans Brigade Band, 30 pieces. 
Lafayette Commandery, No. 3, of St. Albans, Sir George W. Burle- 
son, Eminent Commander, 33 men. 
Burlington Commandery, No. 2, of Burlington, Sir Henry IT. Ross, 
Eminent Commander, 25 men. 
Meacham Drum Corps, 8 pieces. 
Vermont Commandery, No. 4, of Windsor, Sir Henry L. Williams, 

Eminent Commander, 58 men. 
Palestine Commandery, No. 5, of St. Johnsbury, Sir Fred W. Tay- 
lor, Eminent Commander, 45 men. 
Killington Commandery, No. 6, of Rutland, Sir Edward V. Ross, 
Eminent Commander, 60 men. 
First Regiment Band, Brptttleboro, 26 pieces. 
Beauseant Commander}^, No. 7, of Brattleboro, Sir William H. Vin- 
ton, Eminent Commander, 53 men. 
Mount Zion Commandery, No. 9, of Montpelier, Sir N. W. Frink, 

Eminent Commander, 24 men. 
Malta Commandery, No. 10, of Newport, Sir Edwin B. True, 

Eminent Commander, 20 men. 
Taft Commandery, No. 8, of Bennington, Sir Wm. Bogert Walker, 
Eminent Commander, 25 men. 
Moodus Drum and Fife Corps, 16 pieces. 
Putnam Phalanx, of Hartford, Conn., Maj. O. H. Blanchard, com- 
manding, and Staff, 91 men. 
Detachment of Fuller's Battery in Continental Uniform, in charge 
of two pieces of artillery captured by Gen. Stark at the Battle 
of Bennington, August 16, 1777. 
Vermont and other State Societies, Sons of the American Revolu- 
tion, Maj. A.B.Valentine, Marshal; Col. Olin Scott, Col. D. J. 
Safford, Col. M. K. Paine, Aides, 75 men. 
Bennington Citizens Band, 20 pieces. 
Captain Frank Ray Camp, Sons of Veterans, Bennington, Capt. 
Andrew Maurer, commanding, 75 men. 



THE CxliAND PROCESSION. 73 

Manchester Drum Corps, 12 pieces. 

Visiting Camps of Sons of Veterans, 45 men. 

Illinois Association Sons of Vermont and kindred Societies, 50 men. 

Vermont Senators and Representatives, 115 men. 

THIRD DIVISION BLUE FLAG. 

Col. William M. Strachan, Ninth Regiment, M. V. M., Assistant 

Marshal, commanding. 
Aides. — Capt. Max L. Powell ; Capt. Allen H. Sabiii, V. N. G. ; Chev- 
alier J. I. Loomis, Patriarchs Militant. 
Lieut.-Gen. John C. Underwood, Commander of the Army, 
Patriarchs Militant. 
Staf. — Q^oi. W. H. Ralph, A. A. G. ; Col. H. L. Stillson, (^q\\. Staff 
Corps ; Lieut.-Col. L. E. Welch, Lieut.-Col. W. D. Wilson, Lieut.- 
Col. C. M. Campbell, Lieut.-Col. H. W. Hall, Maj. H. W. 
Blanchard, Maj. Geo. W. Young, 
Capt. F. D. Lapham. 
Underwood Hussars, Troop 2, Patriarchs Militant, Boston, Mass., 

Capt. Wellington Howes, commanding, 20 mounted men. 
Col. N. M. Puffer, commanding Department of Vei^mont, Patriarchs 

Militant. 
Staff.— "^^A. J. W. Goodell, A. A. G. ; Maj. F. M. Warner, A I. G. ; 

Lieut. H. C. Lindloff, A. D. C. 
First Regiment, Patriarchs Militant, Department of Vermont, Lieut.- 
Col. Lowell C. Grant, commanding. 
Staff'. — Capt. H. L. Hover, Adjt. ; Capt. J. W. Smith, Q. M. ; Capt. 
I. E. Gibson, Commissary; Maj.'H. J. Potter, Jr., Surgeon; 
Capt. J. D. Lance, Asst. Surgeon ; Rev. S. F. Calhoun, 
D.D., Chaplain ; Lieut. H. P. Frost, Bannerett ; 

Sergt. John H. Ayres, Sergeant-Major. 

Sherman Military Band, Burlington, 30 pieces. 

Canton Lafayette of Burlington, Capt. L. G. Burnham, 29 men. 

Canton Bennington of Bennington, Capt. E. S. Harris, 35 men. 

Canton Palestine of Brattleboro, Capt. J. C. Timson, 36 men. 

Canton Rutland of Rutland, Capt. L. V. Greene, 35 men. 

Canton Montpelier of Montpelier, Capt L. A. Flint, 38 men. 

Canton Vinton of Barre, Capt. J. B. Dillon, 50 men. 
Canton Franklin of St. Albans, Capt. H. C. Sperry, 30 men. 
Brig.-Gen. James O. Woodward, commanding First Brigade, Patri- 
archs Militant, Department of New York. 
>^^a/: — Lieut.-Col. D. G. Face, Special A. D. C. 
Canton Nemo, No. 1, Patriarchs Militant, Albany, N. Y., 60 men. 
Third Regiment, Patriarchs Militant, Department of Massachusetts, 

Col. George H. Randel, commanding. 

Lieut.-Col., Geo. F. Amidon ; Maj. J. B. Farley; Capt. T. C. Cronan, 

Adjt.; Capt. D. N. Pratt, Q. M. ; Capt. Geo. E. Heath, Asst. 

. Surgeon ; Lieut. E. F. Stone, Bannerett. 

North Adams Military Band, 25 pieces. 

Canton Worcester, No. 3, Worcester, Capt. John A. Sears, 45 men. 

Canton Hebron, No. 4, Fitchburg, Capt. Geo. H. Sprague, 45 men. 

Canton Tabor, No. 8, Shelburne Falls, Capt. J. C. Perry, 30 men. 

Canton Orange, No. 52, Orange, Capt. W. H. Lathrop, 25 men. 

Canton Athol, No. 60, Athol, Capt. W. H. Heustis, 20 men. 



74 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL 

Canton Colfax, No. 28, North Adams, Capt. N. B. Flood, 25 men. 
Canton Springfield, No. 23, Springfield, Capt. W. E. Sanderson, 

30 men. 

Knights of Pythias, North Adams, Mass., 25 men. 

Ninety-one carriages with invited guests in charge of Bvt. Lieut.- 

Col. William Smith, Q. M., First Brigade, V. N. G., assisted by 

Sergt. H. B. Chamberlain, Brigade Q. M. Sergeant. 

Recapitulation. — Officers and Men 

Military Organizations . . 1600. 

Grand Army of the Republic 625. 

Patriarchs Mihtant _ _. 600. 

Invited Guests, etc. ... . 589. 

Musicians 390. 

Knights Templars 380. 

Civic Societies 175. 

Sons of Veterans 125. 

Aggregate 4,484. 

Carriage and saddle horses, 511. 

Line of March. — The route of the procession, after leaving 
Camp Vermont, was through North, Gage, Safford, and Main streets 
to the reviewing stand, near the corner of Main street, and Dewey 
avenue. President Harrison and party having taken position in 
the stand, the column passed in review [for account in detail, see 
Part II.], and continued the march to the Monument where the 
troops and other organizations were massed on the east and west 
sides of the Grand Stand. At the conclusion of the ceremonies the 
column reformed, and returned to the grounds of the Soldiers' Home 
by way of Main, and North streets, where it was dismissed. 

Decorations, AND Tkiumphal Arch. — Bennington was decor- 
ated in all quarters, the public and business buildings, and private 
residences being hidden by bunting and streamers, the National 
colors predominating, while triumphal arches spanned the streets at 
frequent intervals. Of these we mention two, the first being situ- 
ated at the entrance to the Soldiers' Home grounds, head of North 
street. The frame work, of timber, was entirely concealed by ever- 
greens. The pillars at the side were eight by sixteen feet, and the 
outside length of the span was 56 feet. On the south-front, over 
the key-stone, appeared the word " Welcome," wrought in white 
immortelles. Beneath this was suspended a floral horse shoe, and 
at each end a floral star. On the North, or inner front of the arch, 
in white immortelles, was the motto and dates: "1777 — Molly 
Stark was not Widowed — 1891 " ; above them, an American flag in 
cut flowers. The arch, also, bore the inscription " Camp Vermont," 
and two large United States flags hung as drapery under the span. 
When the procession moved from camp it passed underthis arch. 



^: 




c CO 
o 
O 



THE GRAND PROCESSION'. 75 

The " Triumphal Arch " was placed at the intersection of Main, 
North, and South streets ; and, among the many attractive decora- 
tions, there was nothing to compare with it. At an early meeting 
of the Committee on Decoration, it was decided that the most satis- 
factory results would be realized, by concentrating the efforts of the 
committee, in the construction of an arch that should be, in quality 
and design, far beyond the custom pertaining to such occasions. It 
was, therefore, proposed to prepare one structure which should be a 
credit to them, and a praise to the liberality of the State in encour- 
aging such a display of patriotism. 

The design was prepared and submitted to the Official State 
Committee by Chairman Wm. C. Bull, a resident architect; and, 
being unanimously adopted, he was directed to superintend its con- 
struction, and to work out, to a satisfactory completion, all the 
ideas of embellishment such a design was susceptible. The most 
flattering results were obtained, and could only be fully appreciated 
by a personal inspection of its completed form. The Arch was a 
massive structure of wood-, covered with canvas, artistically painted 
to imitate the rough stone and finished seams of the Battle Monu- 
ment. It had a length of nearly Seventy-five feet, a breadth of 
about eighteen feet, and a height of over sixty feet. So faithfully 
was the plan of a stone structure accomplished that many visitors 
spoke of " The excellent stone cutting, and the time that must have 
been consumed in its erection." Many were impelled to feel of it, 
and others struck it with canes, in order to be convinced of the 
material. 

It will be noted, by the illustration, that this triumphal struct- 
ure was intended to represent a " Living Arch," figurative of the 
times, and commemorative of the firm and vigorous labors of our 
ancestors, who assisted in establishing the Republic during one of 
the most vital periods of its existence as a State and Nation. 

The turreted top of the Arch was occupied by about one- 
hundred and seventy-five young ladies, and children from the 
public schools, who sang patriotic songs, under the direction of Prof. 
Hubert W. Downs. They were dressed in pure white, and, with 
their hair falling loosely about their necks, looked, as a woman 
remarked to her escort, " Like little angels, every one of them." In 
the lower balcony, on either side, stood thirteen ladies representing 
the Original States. They were dressed in costume, and each bore 
in one hand the United States and in the other their respective 
State shields. Wearing a broad bandana, and with the dark walls 
of the arch as a foil, they made an extremely handsome picture. 
Miss Lillian B. Adams, one of Bennington's fair daughters, clad in 



76 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

the time-honored colors and robes of the Goddess of Liberty, with 
staff and cap, occupied a throne of gold and National colors in the 
lofty turret on the top of the main arch. 

More than 8000 people had gathered in the vicinity, filling the 
streets, the house-tops, and every possible inch of observation space, 
to witness the parade. Frequent and hearty was the applause 
bestowed upon the various organizations, as they filed past, in 
brilliant array, to the inspiring notes of martial music played by 
some of the finest bands in this country, and a stranger could 
scarcely believe he was not in some large city witnessing a National 
demonstration, so great was the display, whether it be of the mili- 
tary or civic organizations. 

When the victoria, drawn by four white horses, containing 
President Harrison, Governor Page, Doctor Wm. Seward Webb, 
Colonel and special A. D. C., approached the Arch, The President 
stood with uncovered head; the Goddess of Liberty, also, arose and 
saluted in recognition. As The President passed under the Arch, a 
shower of roses fell from the hands of the children, sprinkled his 
carriage and all about it. At the same time the chorus of 
childish voices struck up "America," while the shouts from the 
8000 people, increased in volume by the multitude on the house- 
tops, swelled the enthusiasm to a degree seldom witnessed. These 
demonstrations attended the Presidential party along the whole 
route from Camp Vermont to the Monument and return. 

During the week of the Celebration, the Arch was kept lighted 
at night, with nearly three hundred electric lamps, arranged along 
its outline, and, also, at every point which would add to its scenic 
effect. On the evening of the 19th, several powerful calcium lights 
were kept burning, showing the structure with a peculiar effect, 
making plain the mottoes : "1777 — You see the Red Coats, they 
are ours, or Mollie Stark sleeps a Widow to-night," being the his- 
toric words uttered by General Stark as he rallied his men to fight 
on the field of Bennington ; the other half of the same side of the 
Arch had the words, " Peace hath her Victories, no less Renowned 
than War — 1891." These are the mottoes that were used on the 
Arch of 1877. The opposite, or eastern side, is shown in the illus- 
tration. These mottoes appeared to be cut in raised letters upon a 
rough and ancient stone face. 

The Grand Stand. — The sight from the Grand Stand — as the 
long column curled up the hill, and mached around the Monument to 
the places assigned the different companies and platoons, on the 
grounds in front of the Stand — was the finest and most imposing 
spectacle of the sort ever seen in this State, and bears out the 







^ce£^k^ S. Q^^. 



AIjDEESSES at the monument 77 

statement of the Chief Marshal in his report to the Governor, given 
above. 

The Salute. — When the artillery reached Monument Park 
Battery B, 4th Artillery, U. S. A., Major H. C. Gushing, command- 
ing, left the line, took a position near the Speakers' stand and faced 
the valley toward the East. The First Light Battery, V. K. G., 
Colonel Fuller in command, arrived soon- afterward. The salute 
was given by Cushing's Battery. There were four 32-calibre 
breech-loading field pieces. The guns were pointed South, in the 
direction of Main street, and the President's salute, twenty- one 
guns, was fired. At 11.45 o'clock Major Gushing gave the order to 
dismount. At 11.50 o'clock the guns were prepared for firing, and a 
moment later the loud reports were heard through the valley. The 
four guns were reloaded as fast as Major Gushing gave the orders. 
The last gun was fired at 11.55 o'clock. At noon the guns wheeled 
and the caissons resumed position in the rear. During the firing 
Colonel Fuller's Battery was stationed farther down the hill. 
Before The President and other distinguished guests reached the 
Monument the artillery bad disappeared, moving across the field. 
Both companies were then ordered back to camp at the Soldiers* 
Home. 



CHAPTER in. 



The Dedicatory and Centennial Exercises. 

The Monument Dedicated. — The Grand Stand had been 
erected just south of the massive and lofty pillar which will tell 
generations yet unborn of the patriotism of the Green Mountain 
Boys, and their allies, of 1777. Seats for one thousand had been 
provided, and the whole roofed with canvas. The decorations 
included twenty-eight flags of the pre-Revolutionary and Revolu- 
tionary period, preceding the adoption of the " stars and stripes," or 
the era between 1634 and 1777. The unique collection furnished an 
interesting study in the history of American flags. The seats were 
arranged in three tiers, The President's station being in the center 
of the second plane, decorated with the National flag, the " coat of 
arms " of the United States, and the State flag of Vermont. When 
all were in their places, and quiet had been restored, the President 
of the Day advanced to the front of the platform and addressed th& 
vast concourse : 



78 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

Introductory Remarks by Hon. Wheelock G. Veazey, Presi- 
dent OF THE Day. — 

There is to be a dual observance in Bennington to-day. One 
part is to be in the nature of a Dedication of this Monument ; the 
other, a Celebration of the one hundredth Anniversary of the Admis- 
sion of Vermont into the Federal Union of States. Each would 
naturally assume somewhat of a National character. Together 
they make an occasion of unusual National importance. 

We stand at the point where Stark had brought volunteers 
from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont, in August, 1777, 
to defend the military stores here collected, and to operate in his 
discretion upon the flank of the hostile army which, in its south- 
ward movement through the Champlain Valley, invaded the 
western borders of the territory of Vermont. 

With true knightly spirit, and a lady-love allusion that sparkles 
of heraldry, the brave General boldly abandoned the defensive, and 
gallantly led his crude force to assault, and to decisive victory 
against a trained foe, in a chosen position. 

Measured by the numbers engaged, or by the experience of 
thousands of men to-day standing on this ground, it was a small 
affair. Measured by consequences, and the verdict of history, it 
was a battle of surpassing importance. It is this fact that accounts 
for the erection of this massive structure a century after Burgoyne 
had the sudden attack of heart failure, when he heard of the result 
at Bennington. It is this fact that accounts for the presence, of 
The President and Cabinet, of Governors and statesmen from so 
many parts of the broad land that now constitute our country. 

To each and all of her sons and daughters, now here from 
beyond her borders, to each and all of her other visitors, Avho so 
much honor us by their presence, the people of Vermont — thrilled 
with pride of her part in the heroic scenes that made Bennington 
memorable, when Warner rode by the side of Stark, and Herrick 
hurled his corps of unerring riflemen against the entrenchments of 
Baum — extend hand and heart with one universal acclaim of deep, 
sincere welcome. 

In the arrangement of the long programme, it is appointed that 
the first part, shall be here enacted, and with becoming reverence 
the exercises will be opened by prayer. 

At the conclusion Judge Veazey introduced the Rev. Charles 
Parkhurst, D.D., of Boston, the Chaplain of the Day, who delivered 
this Invocation : 
Prayer of Dr. Parkhurst. — 

Thou God of Nations, as of individuals, hear us in this com- 





^^ 7 f c 



3 




ADDRESSES AT THE M0NU3IENT. 79 

memorative hour. A great cloud of witnesses lift most grateful 
voice to Thee. Hallowed memories thrill us. This is thy chosen 
land, and we are Thy people. Thine own Word is the inspiration of 
personal freedom. Out of Thy Book our fathers were taught to 
sigh for individual liberty. To these shores thou didst lead them to 
found a State. We praise Thee to-day for the heritage that comes 
to us in this goodly land, and in a patriotic ancestry. That ardent 
love of liberty, of country and of home, Thou didst impart. The 
language of freedom was heard from these hills : " I will lift up 
mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help." Thou 
didst say : " If the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free 
indeed" ; " Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made 
us free " ; " Brethren, ye have been called unto liberty" ; For the 
generation that learned so well these lessons, we thank Thee. For 
the women and the men who could die, but who could not be 
enthralled, we thank Thee. For all the heroism, sacrifice and 
quenchless faith we thank Thee. Especially for the record for 
which a grateful people rear this Monument, we thank Thee. For 
the alertness and the courage to meet a great crisis and turn back 
the oppressor, we thank Thee. For the part which this trinity of 
States bore in that conflict, we rejoice. Such historj?^ and fellow- 
ship to-day are our glory and our hope. The valorous love of 
liberty which shone forth in the Green Mountain Boys, in the sons 
of the Granite State and the Berkshire Hills, is our enthusiastic joy. 
Thou dost link us indissolubly together in these thrilling memories. 
We thank Thee that Thou hast made such a celebration of the past 
possible. We rejoice in the perpetuity in the children, of the spirit 
which we crown in the fathers. Sanctify to this nation the patriotic 
lessons of this hour. Speak to the people of this great land. Let 
an impulse of holier patriotism possess us. Let eloquent tongue 
and printed page awaken to a more grateful loyalty to Thee, to the 
institutions which we inherit, and the solemn duties of Christian 
citizenship. Help' us to meet victoriously the perils that always 
threaten the freedom of the individual and the State. To those 
summoned to the grave responsibility of governing, in State and 
Nation, grant illuminating grace and fidelity to personal conviction. 
Greatly bless this, our dear native land. Let civil and religious 
liberty everywhere prevail. Achieve in us and through us Thine 
own great and gracious purpose for all peoples. For Thiue is the 
kingdom, the power and the glory, now and forever. Amen. 

President Yeazey then introduced Hon. Carroll S. Page, Gov- 
ernor of Vermont, and, in presenting him, alluded to his vigorous 
and successful efforts in preparing for this great Vermont festival : 



80 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

Address of Welcome. — 

One hundred and fourteen years ago a band of Green Mountain 
boys, representing what was then known as the New Hampshire 
Grants, met in Westminster, and, in convention duly assembled, 

Mesolved., That Vermont " Of right ought to be, and is hereby 
declared forever hereafter to be, a free and independent Jurisdiction 
or State." 

Fourteen years ago the sons and daughters of Vermont gath- 
ered here, with patriotic citizens from sister states, to celebrate the 
centenary of the birth of our State, and of the battle, in which our 
fathers took such an important and distinguished part. 

To-day we again gather on this historic ground to celebrate, not 
our natal, but our wedding day ; the Centennial anniversary of the 
wedding of our destinies as a State to those of the great Federal 
family, and to dedicate to Liberty this majestic shaft which shall, 
through coming ages, stand as a memorial to those brave men who 
fought for principles which shall outlast this column, and died that 
Liberty might live. 

We welcome our neighbors from the old Bay State, whose noble 
ancestors from yon valleys of Berkshire rallied at the tocsin of war, 
and, snatching the battered arms of their fathers, hastened like 
brothers to this field of conflict. 

We welcome our many friends from the Granite State, whose 
patriotic fathers, under the leadership and inspired by the peerless 
courage of the gallant Stark, flocked to yonder battlefield to join, 
with Warner and Herrick, in that memorable battle which the his- 
torian of to-day records as one of the most important and decisive 
of anj^ of the Revolution. 

We welcome, as a mother welcomes her long absent children, 
those sons of our own Green Mountain State who have gone forth 
from their native hillsides to win honorable records in every field. 
You have made us proud of the name of Vermont, and with a 
mother's pride we offer you a mother's blessing; God bless you. 
Though wealth and honors have come to you in other lands, we are 
unspeakably happy in the thought that when you turn your faces 
Vermontward you feel that you are coming home. 

Yes, sons of Massachusetts, sons of New Hampshire, sons of 
Vermont, yes everybody, from the official head of the grandest 
Nation the sun ever shone upon to the plain, untitled citizen, friend 
and stranger, distinguished or unknown, thrice welcome all to the 
festivities of this, our Centennial anniversary. 

Your presence attests alike your grateful recollection of Ver- 
mont's grandest historic achievement, and early devotion to the 




^^^-^ A^i.--^^^-^ ^/^iry'Tp!^^ 



J 



ADDRESSES AT THE MONUMENT. 81 

Union, and your sympathy with the patriotic and inspiring cere- 
monies, of this day, that shall enshrine that achievement and that 
devotion in the memories of her people. 

In this august presence she unrolls the record of an hundred 
years, and points with just pride to an historic page upon which she 
finds nothing she would conceal, nothing she would obliterate. 

The next speaker on the programme was ex-Governor Benj. F. 
Prescott of New Hampshire, President of the Bennington Battle 
Monument Association. In presenting him President Veazey 
alluded to the great services of Governor Prescott for the past 
fifteen years, in behalf of the Bennington Battle Monument Associa- 
tion, first as Governor of New Hampshire, and, also, as an officer 
of this Association from its organization to the present time : 
Addeess, and Transfer of the Monument to the State, by ex- 
Governor Prescott. — 

Your Excellency. — My duty on this occasion is simple, and I 
should transcend it if I attempted to recite the events preceding and 
at the Battle of Bennington. 

That duty has been committed to a gentleman whose ripe 
scholarship, and graceful eloquence, admirably qualify him for the 
effort, and to whom this vast concourse of people will be delighted 
to listen. 

I will, however, allude to a few facts, purely historical, as this 
event may justify such a recital. 

One hundred and fourteen years ago a battle was fought in this 
vicinity, under the leadership of General John Stark, of New Hamp- 
shire, by the patriotic volunteer citizens of that State, and others of 
Vermont and Massachusetts, whose heroism and devotion to the 
cause of liberty have never been excelled. At the expiration of a 
century, a great gathering, in 1877, assembled in Bennington, and, 
with imposing ceremonies, celebrated the anniversary of that battle. 

A moveuient had been inaugurated to erect a monument on this 
spot, to commemorate the battle, and the Battle Monument Associa- 
tion, which had been organized for that purpose, was entrusted w th 
the prosecution of the work. 

A design was adopted. The United States, the States of Ver- 
mont, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, with the liberal and 
patriotic citizens of the States contributed sufficient means to 
accomplish the undertaking. 

In August, 1887, there was another interesting and imposing 
gathering on this spot, when the corner-stone of this magnificent 
structure was laid. 

On that day the same corner-stone, when laid, was committed 



82 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

by His Excellency, the Governor of Vermont, through me to the 
Bennington Battle Monument Association, receiving the assurance 
that a shaft should be erected thereon, " Beautiful and artistic in 
design, massive in structure, which shall in the coming ages mark 
one of the most important localities in our land." 

How well that promise has been fulfilled, let all, who behold 
this structure, judge. 

The genius of the Architect, the faithfulness of the Builder, the 
constant vigilance of the Building Committee can all be seen in this 
the highest and grandest Battle Monument on earth. 

We gather to-day to dedicate and to consecrate it. And now, 
sir, in this distinguished presence, with this vast assembly as wit- 
nesses, in which the states of Vermont, Massachusetts, and New 
Hampshire are conspicuously represented by their Governors and 
State officials ; in the presence of the Chief Magistrate and his 
Cabinet Ministers, and the representatives of the Army and Navy of 
the Republic, which was made possible by the result of this battle, 
in the presence of the veterans, of the last great war, who saved it 
from destruction, and of the citizen soldiery, and civic organizations 
that participate in this celebration, — I, as President of the Ben- 
nington Battle Monument Association, in its behalf and by its 
direction now transfer through you as Governor, to the State of 
Vermont, this monument, erected to commemorate one of the most 
decisive battles of the Revolution, and this deed conveys the title to 
the property. 

I know% sir, it will be as sacredly guarded in the coming ages as 
was the soil on which it stands more than a century ago, and will 
inspire all who behold it to increased devotion to the best govern- 
ment on earth. 

The President then again introduced Governor Page who 
accepted the monument in behalf of the State. 
Acceptance by the Governor. — 

Governor Prescott : — In behalf of Vermont I accept from you, 
as President of the Bennington Battle Monument Association, this 
title deed, and the responsibilities which its acceptance involves. 

You convey to us the title to the property, but I assure you, 
Mr. President, that Vermont's interest in this monument shall ever 
be something more than a mere property interest. So long as the 
sons and daughters of Vermont shall honor bravery and patriotism, 
and revere the memory of a loyal, self-sacrificing ancestry ; so long, 
I am sure, will this memorial of a patriotism as pure and holy as 
ever made its home in the breast of man, be guarded and cared for 
as a sacred trust. 



ADDRESSES AT THE MONUMENT. 83 

It shall stand here untouched, save by the finger of time, to tell 
to our children, and our children's children the story of the struggle 
for liberty, and to inspire all who may come beneath its shadow 
with a deeper love of country, and a higher appreciation of those 
men whose sacrifices made possible the priceless blessings we are, 
to-da}^, privileged to enjoy. 

Your Association, sir, has earned and receives our gratitude for 
the faithful manner in which it has discharged the important trust 
committed to its care. You have done all that you promised. The 
work so auspiciously begun by you, in 1887, has been carried for- 
ward, until, to-day, it stands before us complete from base to 
cope-stone, a work of architectural beauty. 

Well done good and faithful servants. Vermont accepts the 
title to your completed work, but will claim only a joint ownership 
with New Hampshire and Massachusetts in all that it is, and all 
that it commemorates ; and may this property which we here hold 
in common, and our common interest in that historic past, ever tend 
to perpetuate the friendly and fraternal relations which have 
always existed between us. 
Vermont Centexxial Ode. — 

This hymn, composed for the occasion by Doctor Emmett B. 
Daley, was set to music by Professor Rudolph O. Goldsmith, and 
was rendered by a selected choir. 

At the conclusion of the hymn the President presented Hon. 
Edward J. Phelps, of Burlington, Vermont, as the Orator, in the 
following words : On the 4th day of March, 1791, the Act of Con- 
gress took eft'ect by which Vermont was admitted into the Union. 
For some years previous she had been an Independent State. She 
had resisted attempted governmental jurisdiction over her territory 
from her neighbors on the east and on the west ; she had united 
with the Colonies in resisting the power of Great Britain during the 
War of the Revolution; she was ever ready to come into the Union 
of States on just conditions. After years of turmoil and strife she 
attained this result, and now takes great pride in her constant and 
faithful devotion to her then new relation. To her it was a Union 
forever. She sent one from every ten of her entire population, to 
help preserve it, in the War of the Rebellion. She would have sent 
them all before surrendering that for which she fought so long and 
hard to obtain. We are met to-day to celebrate the great event of 
one hundred years ago. No artist's pen can draw the picture 
sharper to the life, no lips can more eloquently make the descrip- 
tion than the pen and lips of Edward J. Phelps, whom I now have 
the honor of introducing : 



84 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

Oration of Mr. Phelps. — 

Vermont consecrates to-day her first historic monument. But 
not hers alone. New Plampshire and Massachusetts, who fought 
with her and for her at Bennington, have joined in erecting this 
memorial of their common history. And they are here, by a 
splendid representation, to share in the triumph of its completion, 
and to give to the occasion, by the distinction of their presence, a 
higher dignity, a more generous grace. 

The day has a still larger significance. It is trebly fortunate. 
It marks not only the anniversary of the battle, and the happy 
consummation in this structure of the exertions of fifteen years, but 
likewise the centennial of the entrance of Vermont into the Federal 
Union. It unites in its suggestions the great memories and the 
great hope in the life of our commonwealth, the expiring century 
and the limitless future. It is fit that we should signalize such an 
occasion. Well may Vermont throw open this day her gates and 
her heart. Well may she call her children home. And with a 
display uncommon to her simple life, with trumpets, and banners, 
and acclamations, and the triumphant voice of cannon, ofi:'er 
unbounded welcome to the great concourse that has gathered to her 
festival. 

It is appropriate and gratifying that the Chief Magistrate of the 
Nation should be at such a time our most honoured guest. In this 
scene, party differences are forgotten. We are only Americans. 
And in loyalty to that great office, and respect for the incumbent 
who fills it so well, we are all this day on the President's side. 

History is full of battles. All its pages are stained with blood. 
Instruments, for the most part, of ambition, of tyranny and of 
crime. It would have been well for the world to be spared the 
misery they wrought. It would be well for its history if their 
memory could perish. But there have been battles nevertheless 
whose smoke went up like incense ; consecrated in the sight of 
Heaven by the cause they maintained. Sach was that for which 
this shaft shall henceforth stand. 

If battles were to be accounted great in proportion to the num- 
bers engaged, Bennington would be but small. In comparison with 
Marathon, and Waterloo, and Gettysburg, it was in that view only 
an afl'air of outposts. But it is not numbers alone that give impor- 
tance to battle fields. The fame of Thermopylae would not have 
survived, had the Greeks been a great army instead of three 
hundred. It is the cause that is fought for, the heroism and self- 
sacrifice displayed, and the consequences which follow, moral and 
political as well as military, that give significance to conflicts of 



ADBKESSES AT THE MONUMENT. 85 

arms. Judged by these standards, Bennington may well be 
reckoned among the memorable battles of the world. 

It was, on our side, the people's fight. N'o government directed 
or supplied it ; no regular force was concerned ; it was a part of no 
organized campaign. New Hampshire sent her hastily embodied 
militia, not the less volunteers. In Vermont and Massachusetts it 
was the spontaneous uprising of a rural and peace-loving population, 
to resist invasion, to defend their homes, to vindicate their right of 
self-government. Lexington, Bunker Hill, and King's Mountain 
were in this respect its only parallels in the Revolutionary war. 

The march of Burgoyne from Canada to the Hudson, had been 
till then a continuous victory. He was a brave and skilful soldier, 
leading a well appointed and powerful army. Ticonderoga, the key 
and stronghold of the northern frontier, had fallen unexpectly with- 
out a blow. The Vermonters retreating thence had been overtaken 
and utterly defeated at Hubbard ton. The advance of the British to 
Stillwater had been almost unopposed; and there was as yet no 
promise of effectual resistance. Even Washington, steel proof 
against despair, wrote that he saw not how Burgoyne's march to 
Albany could be checked. 

The situation of the inhabitants of the Hampshire Grants was 
most critical. Their whole frontier was open to the incursions of 
an enemy whose allies were savages. They had been totally 
neglected by Congress ; not a step had been taken for their relief. 
Scattered sparsely through the country upon their farms, without 
an}^ organized state government, almost destitute of the material of 
war, except the firearms in their houses, they still had no thought of 
flight or submission. They called upon God first, in a day of fast- 
ing and prayer, appointed by their Convention, and not only 
appointed but solemnly kept. And then they called upon New 
Hampshire and John Stark. New Hampshire, ablaze with patriotic 
feeling, issued instant orders for her militia to march. Stark's 
reply w^as brief, for he was not a man of words : "I am on the 
way," said he, " with all the men I can muster." With the eye of a 
born soldier he saw that the Yermonters were right when they 
declared, that there could be no frontier but a frontier of armed 
men. That the Hampshire Grants must be held, because no enemy 
could be resisted to whom the gates of the country were thus 
thrown open. And that the effectual blow against Burgoyne must 
be struck on his flank. 

Full justice has been done, in history and tradition, to the 
bravery and the patriotism of John Stark. But his great qualities 
as a general and a leader of men have not been set forth as they 



86 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

deserve. No better piece (^f military work was seen in the Revolu- 
tion, than he did in that brief and sudden campaign. He con- 
centrated the scattered militia at Charlestown, with a rapidity that 
was marvellous. He was impeded by the want of the most neces- 
sary and ordinary supplies. Detained, he wrote, for lack of bullet 
moulds ; " but one pair in town " ; for they had their own bullets to 
cast; destitute, he wrote again, even of camp kettles; striving in 
vain to get three or four field pieces mounted; the powder he had 
depended upon, half spoiled. Yet receiving his orders the 2*2nd of 
July, while the militia were all at their homes, he marched with the 
last of them from Charlestown, on the 3d of August. On the 7th he 
was at Manchester, through the wilderness and across the Green 
Mountains, by incapable roads, and without any adequate transpor- 
tation. On the 9th he was at Bennington, with his own forces and 
the Massachusetts and Vermont men organized and in hand. On 
the 14th he engaged the enemy; on the 16th the battle was fought. 
If there had been no battle at all, such celerity and precision of 
movement, with an irregular force, in the face of such difficulties, 
would alone have been generalship of the highest order. 

At Manchester he was met by a pei-emptory order from Con- 
gress, to march at once to join Schuyler, leaving the Grants to their 
fate. He refused to obey it. The cause w^as more to him than 
Congress, and he understood its necessities better than they did. 
On the 19th, three days after the battle, but before the news of it 
liad reached them, that body adopted a resolution that his conduct 
•was prejudicial to discipline, and injurious to the common cause, 
and demanding of New Hampshire to revoke the orders under 
which he was acting. Three days later, they sent him a vote of 
thanks, their only contribution to the victory that caused the 
destruction of Burgoyne. 

Meanwhile the men of the Grants had not been idle. Every 
nerve had been strained in their own behalf. The Council of 
Safety, improvised for the occasion, sat continaously at Benning- 
.ton, assuming all the powers of government. Every available man 
turned out. No woman bid husband, son or brother stay. Such 
.scanty supplies as by the utmost exertion could be collected, were 
thrown into the common stock. The very day before the battle, 
expresses were sent out through the farm-houses to gather lead, 
" urgently needed," said the Council. The woods were on fire. Not 
with the transient blaze that sweeps through the dry leaves and is 
:gone, but with the deep unquenchable combustion that burns in the 
; roots and the earth. 

Of the stores that had been previously gathered at Bennington, 



ABBBESSES AT THE MONUMENT. 87 

much has Ueeii said, and but little is kno^Yn. Their importance has 
probably been exaggerated. That Burgoyne needed them, such as 
they were, and desired still more to deprive his enemy of them, may 
be true. But they were by no means the principal object of the 
expedition he sent out, altogether disproportioned to so small a 
matter. He saw as clearly as Stark did, that his left was the dan- 
gerous quarter. It was not the feeble resistance before him that he 
was afraid of, w^hich had not yet fired an effectual shot. It was 
what he well called " The gathering storm that was hanging on his 
left." He perceived that he must strike a blow in that quarter 
which would put down opposition, and make safe his flank and his 
rear. He meant to mount his dismounted dragoons on horses 
obtained in the Grants, and to occupy and secure that ground. 
The troops he sent out were therefore choice and well commanded, 
and followed by a strong support. And their orders were, not 
merely to capture Bennington, but to cross the co.untry to Rocking- 
ham, and thence march to Albany, a movement that would have 
brought them into Schuyler's rear. 

The British commander proceeded with the caution the impor- 
tance of his expedition demanded. When he found that he must 
fight, and perceived the resolute and thorough soldiership of Stark's 
movements, he chose a position with excellent judgment, entrenched 
himself strongly, and placed his troops and his guns to the best 
advantage. Stark could not w^ait as he would have done, for his 
enemy's advance. He was unable to subsist his ill-provided forces 
long, nor could he k'eep them from homes that were suffering for 
their presence. His only chance was to attack at once, and his 
dispositions for it, most ably seconded by Warner, his right hand 
man, were masterly beyond criticism. He had no artillery, no 
cavalry, no transportation, no commissariat but the women on the 
farms. Half of his troops were without bayonets, and even 
ammunition had to be husbanded. He lacked everything but men, 
and his men lacked everything but hardihood and indomitable reso- 
lution. Upon all known rules and experience of warfare, the 
successful storming, by a hastily organized militia, of an entrenched 
position at the top of a hill, held by an adequate regular force, 
would have been declared impossible. But it was the impossible 
that happened, in a rout of the veterans that amounted to destruc- 
tion. History and literature, eloquence and poetry have combined 
to enshrine in the memory of mankind, those decisive charges, at 
critical moments, by which gi-eat battles have been won, and epochs 
in the life of nations determined. I set against the splendour of 
them all, that final onset up yonder hill and over its breastworks, 



88 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

of those New England farmers, on whose faces desperation had 
kindled the supernatural light of battle which never shines in vain. 
That conflict was the last hope of the Hampshire Grants. They 
w^ere fighting for all they had on earth, whether of possessions or of 
rights. They could not go home defeated, for they would have had 
no homes to go to. The desolate land that Burgoyne would have 
left, Xew York would have taken. Not a man was on the field by 
compulsion, or upon the slightest expectation of personal advantage 
or reward. The spirit which made the day possible, was that shown 
in Stephen Fay of Bennington, who had five sons in the fight. 
When the first-born was brought home to him dead, "I thank 
God," he said, " that I had a son, willing to give his life for his 
country." 

Such, in merest and briefest outline, was Bennington. Its 
story, imperfectly preserved, comes down to us only in flashes, but 
they are flashes of.glorious light. Its consequences were immediate 
and far reaching. It was the first success of the Revolution 
which bore any fruit. Its guns sounded the first notes in the knell 
which announced that the power of Great Britain over the colonies 
she had created and had sacrificed, was passing away. Burgoyne 
heard it, and knew what it meant. Washington heard it, and 
hearing took heart again. Confidence replaced despair. Gates suc- 
ceeded Schuyler in command at Saratoga, and the militia poured 
into his camp. The invincibility of the British commander was 
gone. He fought desperately but in vain. On the 17th of October 
he surrendered. 

If Bennington had not been fought, or had been fought without 
success, the junction between Clinton and Burgoyne could not have 
been prevented, and his surrender would not have taken place. " If 
I had succeeded there," he wrote to his Government, " I should 
have marched to Albany." 

But Bennington was only an episode in the early life of Ver- 
mont. Striking, heroic, conspicuous, yet still but an episode. The 
outbreak of the Revolution found the people of the Hampshire 
Grants already engaged in a contest with the powerful Colony of 
New York, which had for ten years taxed their utmost resources. 
The first to occupy the unbroken wilderness which is now Vermont, 
they had taken and paid for their titles to the lands, as a part of 
the Colony of New Hampshire, under regular grants from its 
Governor, as vicegerent of the British Crown. They had organized 
townships, built roads, cleared forests, and established their homes. 
Up to that time the territory had been universally regarded as a 
part of New Hampshire, and the early maps so laid it down. New 



ADDBESSES AT THE MONUMENT. 89 

York for more than a hundred years from the date of her charter, 
had attempted no jurisdiction ove.r it. But after the New Hampsliire 
Grants had been made and occupied, New York set up the claim that 
her eastern boundary was the Connecticut River. The line between 
that Province and New Hampshire was so loosely defined in the 
charters, issued when the geography of the country was almost 
unknown, that it was impossible to be determined by their 
language. The charters were in fact conflicting. The greater influ- 
ence of New York, and her better means of prosecuting her case 
before the Privy Council, obtained from the Crown, in 1764, an 
order establishing the Connecticut as the dividing line. But 
this was only the arbitrary adjustment of a boundary, incapable of 
other settlement. Its legal effect was prospective, not retroactive. 
It established jurisdiction, it did not invalidate titles previously 
vested, under which a prior and adverse possession existed, and 
which had been derived from the common source of title, the King, 
of whom the contesting governors were alike the agents, and while 
the territory was de facto a part of New Hampshire. Nor was it 
the intention of the Crown or of the Privy (/ouncil that it should 
have such an effect. When in 1767, three years later, the settlers, 
resisting the efforts of New York to confiscate their lands, suc- 
ceeded by great exertions in bringing the case again before that 
body, upon its unanimous and emphatic judgment, further grants 
by New York of lands granted by New Hampshire prior to 1764, 
were positively prohibited by the King. 

Notwithstanding this explicit order, the Colonial Government 
of New York continued to make grants, in large quantities, of lands 
occupied adversely under the New Hampshire titles, without the 
least regard to the rights of the inhabitants, or the distressing 
consequences in which they would be involved. These grants were 
made not to settlers, but to speculators and political favourites, 
upon payment of enormous fees to the Governor. Not even com- 
pensation was offered for the improvements which had given the 
lands all the value they had, rescued them from the savage and the 
wild beast, and made them habitable by man. No greater outrage 
had been attempted under the forms of English law, since the days 
of Jeffries. It would not only have been in violation of funda- 
mental principles if it had been done by the Crown, but it was in' 
direct contravention of the orders of the Crown, based upon the 
judgment of the Privy Council. 

The occupants of the Hampshire Grants had no means of legal 
resistance. They were without money, without counsel, without 
influgace. They made one effort at defence in a suit tried at 



90 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

Albany, but soon found they had no justice to expect in that quar- 
ter. Then they set the authority of New York at defiance, and 
resolved to protect themselves. Sheriffs who came into the Grants 
to execute writs, were turned back. Militia sent to support them, 
were repulsed. Rights which the law should have defended, were 
niahitained by force. 

But with the first guns of the Revolution, the people of the 
Grants threw themselves into that struggle, without regard to its 
•effect upon the contest, to them much more important, in which 
they were already engaged. Ticonderoga was taken by Ethan 
Alien, and Crown Point by Warner. They marched in force upon 
the disastrous expedition against Canada, where Allen was left a 
prisoner. They turned out on the approach of Burgoyne to garri- 
son Ticonderoga, in such strength that men enough were not left at 
home to transport the supplies, which out of their slender resources 
they poured into that fortress. They were with Arnold in his 
desperate battles on Lake Charaplain. They fought under Warner 
at Ilubbardton before Bennington, and with Gates at Bemis 
Heights and Saratoga afterward. They pursued the British who 
retreated from Ticonderoga after Burgoyne's surrender, capturing 
the last jjrisoners, and firing the last shots at the remains of that 
expedition. 

When the authority of Great Britain was thrown off by the 
Declaration of Independence, the organization of a separate govern- 
ment by the inhabitants of the Grants became unavoidable. The 
jurisdiction of New Hampshire over them had ceased after the 
Royal order of 17 04, and with New York they were at war. As 
€arly as July 1776, in Convention assembled at Dorset, they adopted 
articles of association for the purposes of the war as well as of 
domestic government. In January 1777 they resolved to form an 
independent state under the name of New Connecticut, declaring it 
to be necessary for protection against the British, as well as against 
New York. In June 1777 a commitee was appointed to draft a 
constitution, and the name of Vermont was adopted. In July fol- 
lowing, the constitution was ratified, and at the first election held 
under it, Thomas Chittenden was made Governor. 

That first constitution of Vermont can not be read without 
"admiration. I pity the man who in view of the time and the cir- 
cumstances of its composition, can read it without sensibility. 
Framed by a rural people, in hardship and poverty, a foreign 
enemy at their very gates, a still more inveterate foe in the sister 
province that should have been their protector, its authors neither 
statesmen nor lawyers, untrained in political science or literary 



ADBBESSES AT THE MONUMENT, 91 

accomplishment, but one of them havhig ever sat in a legislative 
assembly before, they were still doing their best under every 
discouragement, with such slender acquirements as they had, 
toward the foundation of a government that might command the 
respect of mankind. The constitution of Pennsylvania, adopted the 
year before, was doubtless in a considerable degree their model. 
But there was much in their work that was original. And it dis- 
played a breadth and elevation of view, a profound sagacity, an 
independence of thought, and a sublime faith, not reasonably to be 
looked for in such an assembly. It would be an interesting task to 
review this constitution, if the flying hour allowed. Two or three 
points only can be most briefly touched. 

It contained the first prohibition of slavery ever put forth on 
this continent, through all parts of which the institution was at 
that time legal. The language is worthy of quotation : 

"That all men are born equally free and independent, and 
have certain natural, inherent and unalienable rights; amongst 
which are the enjoying and defending of life and liberty ; acquiring, 
possessing and protecting property ; and pursuing and obtaining 
happiness and safety. Therefore, no male person born in this 
country or brought from over sea, ought to be holden by law to 
serve any person as a servant, slave or apprentice, after he arrives 
to the age of twenty-one years ; nor female in like manner after she 
arrives to the age of eighteen years ; unless they are bound by their 
own consent after they arrive to such age ; or bound by law for the 
payment of debts, damages, fines, costs or the like." 

I may pause to read one other paper on the same subject, that 
has found its way down to us like a scattered leaf from the foliage 
of a departed year. When in November 1777 a slave woman and her 
child fell into the hands of a company of Vermouters, commanded 
by Ebenezer Allen, who had fought with great distinction at Ben- 
nington, he gave her this v/riting, and set her free : 

" To whom it may concern, know ye : whereas Dinah a negro 
woman, with her child of two months old was taken prisoner on 
Lake Champlain with the British troops the 12th day of inst. 
November by a scout under my command ; and according to a 
resolve passed by the Honorable Continental Congress that all 
prizes belong to the captivators thereof: I being conscihentious . 
that it is not right in the sight of God to keep slaves : therefore 
obtaining leave from the detachment under my command to give 
her and her child their freedom. I do therefore give the said 
Dinah and her child their freedom, to pass and repass anywhere 
through the United States of America, with her behaving as 
becometh, and to trade and traffic for herself and child, as though 
she were born free, without being molested by any person. 

" In witness whereunto I have set my hand and subscribed my 
name, " Ebenezer Allen, 

" Capt. in Col. Herrick's Regt. of Green Mountain Boys." 



92 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

There is not much lawyership in the form of this document. 
It is neither elegant in style, nor faultless in orthography. But 
perhaps it has found record where such deficiencies are overlooked. 

Another article in that first constitution should not be passed 
by in silence. Its authors appear to have seen with a prophetic 
eye when they founded free. government, that its greatest danger 
was like to be the greed for office which turns places of public trust 
into the spoils of party, and the opportunities for plunder. And 
they adopted this clause : 

" As every freeman to preserve his independence (if without a 
sufficient estate), ought to have some profession, calling^ trade or 
farm whereby he maj^ honestly subsist, there can be no necessity 
for nor use in establishing offices of profit, the usual effects of 
which are dependence and servility unbecomhig freemen in the 
possessors or expectants, faction, contention, corruption and dis- 
order among the people. But if any man is called into public 
service to the prejudice of his private affairs, he has a right to a 
reasonable compensation; and whenever an office through increase 
of fees or otherwise becomes so profitable as to occasion many to 
apply for it, the profits ought to be lessened by the Legislature." 

We have lived to see the prohibition of slavery in the earliest 
constitution of Vermont become a part of the fundamental law of 
this Nation. May the time be not far off, when its declaration 
against that other and more wide spread curse which corrupts and 
degrades free government, shall be likewise put in force by the 
body of the American people. 

One more provision in this instrument may be quoted. From 
each representative in the Legislature was required, before taking 
his seat, this declaration : 

"You do believe in one God, the Creator and Governor of the 
Universe, the re warder of the good and punisher of the wicked. 
And you do acknowledge the Scriptures of the Old and New 
Testament to be given by Divine inspiration: and do own and pro- 
fess the Protestant Religion." 

Under this constitution, Vermont already for thirteen years an 
independent community, became an independent State, subject to 
no National jurisdiction. She exercised from 1777 to 1791 all the 
powers of sovereignty, and maintained herself against New York, 
against Congress, and against the Union. She fought through the 
Revolution on her own account, and with the help of Massachusetts 
and New Hampshire defended herself. The State flag that still 
Hies over us, was the flag of that earliest day. No other State in 
the American Federation save Texas, ever had an independent 
existence. All others were in their beginning either colonies of a 
foreign power, or territories of the United States. Till the very 
ast, both during and after the Revolution, the majority of Congress 



ADDRESSES AT THE ^lOJSrUMEN'T 93 

was against her, swayed by the power and influence of New York. 
Represented neither in Congress nor in the Legislature of New 
York, and without means or influence to make herself felt in either 
body, recognition of her independence and her admission to the 
Union were continuously refused, and the title of her people to the 
homes they occupied denied. The contest of the Colonies in the 
Revolution was against taxation without representation. That of 
Vermont, through the war and for eight years afterward, was 
against confiscation without representation. No oppression charged 
upon Great Britain by America, approached that sought to be 
yisited by Congress and New York upon Vermont, while she was 
fighting side by side with them to her last man and last dollar, in 
the struggle for National independence. 

The history of the early life of V ermont is a grand and inspirit- 
ing history. No words of mine in these brief moments can justly 
characterize it. We find it difficult at first, in trying to understand 
it, to raise ourselves to its plane, and to view it in the light of its 
own time rather than of ours. Accustomed to see self-interest 
predominant, and individual success the universal goal, we are 
involuntarily groping after motives and springs of action in the 
builders of our State, which had no existence among them. We 
do not rightly comprehend what they did, until we come gradually 
to realize the absolutely unselfish devotion, the genuine and unal- 
loyed patriotism, the ardent love of liberty, of those plain, 
unassuming, upright, resolute. God-fearing men, who were striving 
to the uttermost, not for place or distinction or wealth or power, 
but to achieve self-government, to establish homes, to create civil 
institutions that should be truly free, salutary, and enduring. The 
more closely we study their lives and their work, the greater is 
our admiration for their character and their capacity. 

In 1791 Vermont's long controversy reached an end. The jus- 
tice of her cause gradually made itself felt, both in Congress and in 
the Legislature of New York. It came to be seen that her right to 
self-government ought not to be denied, nor her institutions over- 
thrown, nor the lands of her people taken from them, and that such 
results could only be attained by a war of extermination. Her 
demands were finally conceded. An amicable adjustment was 
made with New York, and a hundred years of unbroken friendship 
between these neighbouring States has long obliterated all trace of 
the old-time bitterness. On the 18th of February, 1791, an Act 
unanimously adopted by Congress for the admission of Vermont to 
the L^nion, was signed by the hand of Washington. 

So came Vermont at last, a hundred years ago, into the sister- 



94 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

hood of the States. Latest of existing commonwealths to join it; 
first accession to the old Thirteen. No remnants of colonial 
magnificence adorned her approach. No traditions of old world 
aristocracy gave distinction to her presence, or grace to her society. 
No potency in National politics attracted the parasites of the hour. 
The luxuries of wealth were unknown to her. For the elegance of 
high culture she had found little opportunity. Rustic and shy, 
but picturesque, shadowed by the memories of a trying experience, 
unconquerable in spirit, proud of her untarnished history, half 
reluctant to surrender the independence that had cost so much, and 
been cherished so long. But she came to remain. She has sought 
no divorce from the Union to which on the altar of the new Con- 
stitution she then plighted her troth. When those who had been 
among the foremost in creating that Union, and should have been 
the last to assail it, yet essayed its destruction, thirty-four thousand 
of her young manhood, almost a tithe of her people, went out in its 
defence, and in all that wide-spread and terrible conflict, there 
was no battle ground on which her children are not buried. Her 
life, whether in peace or in war, through all the century that now 
closes upon us, has been not only in the Union, but for the Union. 
The high places, the distinctions, the ambitions, the emoluments of 
the National Government, have been chiefly for others ; not for her. 
She has neither claimed them, nor sought them, nor desired them. 
Content to stand and to wait, and when service was demanded, never 
to be found wanting. Less abundant in production than lands that 
lie nearer the sun, she has been aflluent in men ; who have carried 
into other commonwealths the strength of her hills, and have fertil- 
ized by their intelligence, their energy, and their character, all the 
States whose gathering stars now fill to overflowing the field of the 
National ensign. It is not on this spot alone that these memories 
are revived. The sons of Vermont are not all here. The multitude 
that surrounds us is but a handful. In all the cities and hamlets of 
the Western plain, on savannah, and prairie, and river, and hill- 
side, in fields innumerable, golden with the harvest, wherever on 
this continent there is work to be done or enterprise to be carried 
forward, there they are, and there will this day and its ceremonies 
be remembered, and its inspiration felt. 

And now, my fellow citizens, our task draws to its close. 
The public spirit and the persistent efforts of all these years have 
found their reward, in the structure that stands before us. Many, 
alas, how many, of those who in its foundation have shared our 
labours and guided our counsels, and who looked forward with us 
hopefully to their consummation, have not waited for this day, but 



ADDBESSES AT THE MONUMENT. 95 

are gone on before. The circle that is left to exchange these con- 
gratulations, is painfully narrowed. But the work is done. 
Committing it now to the care of the State with whose existence 
we trust it will be coeval, our concern with it terminates, and our 
duty is discharged. Its stately proportions rise away from us into 
the upper air. Our monument no longer. Not for us nor for our 
time is it henceforth raised on high. Long before it shall cease to 
be reckoned as young, we and our children will have disappeared 
from the scene. It is our messenger to posterity. Here it shall 
wait for them, while the successive generations shall be born and 
die. Here it shall wait for them, through the evenings and the 
mornings that shall be all the days that are to come. Crowned 
with the snows of countless winters ; beautiful in the sunlight and 
the shadows of unnumbered summers ; companion of the mountains 
which look down upon it, whose height it emulates, whose strength 
it typifies, whose history it declares. 

The earth is studded with monuments. From the earliest 
period of recorded time, mankind has striven for a language more 
durable than words, in which human memories might be perpet- 
uated. They have found it chiefly in the symbolism of monumental 
architecture. But for the employment of that language there must 
be sentiments to be transmitted, worthy of its grandeur. In those 
lie the appeal to futurity, not in the medium of expression, however 
powerful or impressive. And therefore it is, that the most impos- 
ing and venerable of such structures known to the world, only 
stand silently over the grave of the dead past. They have no 
history to relate, no lesson to teach. Solitary relics of a race that is 
extinct, a civilization that has perished, institutions that have dis- 
appeared, cities and temples that have returned to the dust, to 
research and to imagination they are equally dumb. The desolation 
of the desert surrounds them. We regard them with wonder, but 
without instruction. 

Not such the destiny of the memorial we dedicate here. Its 
grand silence shall be perpetually eloquent ; its teaching shall never 
cease. It shall carry forward the history of those early days ; of all 
that made Bennington heroic, and all that Bennington brought to 
pass. It shall tell the story not only of Stark and Warner and 
Chittenden, and Symonds, the Aliens and the Fays and the Robin- 
sons, and their compeers, but of that multitude of their humbler 
associates, less conspicuous, but just as devoted, who lived and who 
died for Vermont, whose names are only written in the memory of 
God. The child shall learn from these stones the first instincts of 
patriotism. The wayfarer to whose foreign ear our English tongue 



96 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

conveys no sense, shall not fail of their meaning. And all the 
dwellers upon the soil, as the years go on, shall be reminded and 
admonished, what manner of man an American ought to be. 

One final thought still presses upon us. We have recalled the 
past; what shall be the future? The gift of prophecy is merci- 
fully withheld from man. Hope, kindlier than prophecy, stands in 
the place of it, the just and reasonable hope instructed by what has 
gone before. The emotions of this day raise us far above the 
jargon and turmoil of the poor quarrels of the hour, whose outcome 
we are wont to await with so much solicitude, and which seem to 
our impatient vision to oppose to us obstacles so dangerous. We 
look down upon them, and we see how temporary and ephemeral 
they are. We perceive that we need not on their account despair 
of the republic, which patriotism and devotion have more thau 
once brought out resplendent from darker days than we shall ever 
know. Gazing forward, in the light of the after-glow of the dying 
century, we discern with the eye of faith and of hope, what this 
sentinel pile shall look out upon, in the days that are before it. 

It will look out upon Vermont : on whose vallies and hillsides 
the seed time and the harvest shall never fail. A land to which its 
people shall still cling with an affection not felt for the surface of 
the physical earth, by any but those who are born among the hills ; 
hallowed to them as to us by its noble traditions ; sacred for the 
dead who rest in its bosom. The beautiful name which the moun- 
tains have given it will abide upon the land forever. Vermont, 
always Vermont ! 

And it will behold a society, where the great principles of civil 
and religious liberty shall be slowly but certainly working them- 
selves out, to their final maturity. A prosperity, more and more 
widely diffused among common men. An advancing civilization, 
not without the vicissitudes, the blemishes, the mistakes, the sor- 
rows, through which humanity's path must always lie, but in 
which the gain shall still surpass the loss, and the better surmount 
the worse; enlightened, from generation to generation, by an 
increasing intelligence, a broader knowledge, a higher morality ; 
alleviated and illuminated, as it was in the beginning, by the inex- 
haustible blessing of our fathers' God. 

After an intermission of a few minutes, during which the band 
discoursed appropriate music. Judge Veazey presented the Presi- 
dent of the United States, Benjamin Harrison, alluding to the honor 
which he conferred upon the occasion by his presence, and assuring 
him that he was surrounded by a concourse of people whose hearts 
were as loyal to him and the country as were those in the breasts of 




(/ /^i^-i^/ 



'^ 



ADDBESSES AT THE MONUMENT. 97 

his soldiers who had followed him so often upon the battlefields of 

the Republic. 

Address of President Harrison. — 

Mr. President and Felloio Citizens: — There are several obvious 
reasons why I should not attempt to speak to you at this time. 
This great audience is so uncomfortably situated that a further pro- 
longation of these exercises cannot be desirable, but the stronger 
reason is that you have just listened, with rapt attention, to a most 
scholarly and interesting review of those historical incidents which 
have suggested this assemblage, and to those lessons which they 
furnish to thoughtful and patriotic men. (Applause.) A son of 
Vermont, honored by his fellow citizens, honored by the Nation 
which he has served in distinguished public functions, honored by 
the profession of which he is an ornament and an instructor, has 
spoken for Vermont (applause) ; and it does not seem to me fit that 
these golden sentences should be marred by any extemporaneous 
words which I can add. I come to you under circumstances that 
altogether forbid preparation. I have no other preparation for 
speech than this inspiring cup of good-will which you have pre- 
sented to my lips. (Applause.) The most cordial welcome which 
has been extended to me to-day makes it unfitting that I should 
omit to make a cordial acknowledgment of it. Perhaps I may be 
permitted, as a citizen of a Western State, to give expression to the 
high regard and honor in which Vermont is held. Perhaps I may 
assume, as a public ofiScer, representing in some sense all the States 
of the Union, to bring to-day their appreciation of the history and 
people of this patriotic State. Its history is unique, as Mr, Phelps 
has said. The other Colonies staked their lives, their fortunes and 
honor upon the struggle for independence, with the assurance that 
if, by their valor and sacrifice, independence was achieved, all these 
were assured. The inhabitants of the New Hampshire Grants 
alone fought with their fellow-countrymen of the (bionics for 
liberty, for political independence, unknowing whether, when it was 
achieved, the property, the homes upon which they dwelt, would be 
.assured by the success of the confederate Colonies. They could not 
know — they had the gravest reason to fear — that when the 
authority of the confederation of the States had been established, 
this very Government, to whose supremacy Vermont had so nobly 
contributed, might lend its authority to the establishment of the 
claims of New York upon their homes ; and yet, in all this story, 
though security of property would undoubtedly have been pledged 
by the royal representative, Vermont took a conspicuous, unselfish 
and glorious part in the independence of the United Colonies, trust- 



98 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

ing to the justice of her cause for the ultimate security of the 
homes of her people. (x\|)plause.) 

It is a most noble and unmatched history ; and if I may deliver 
the message of Indiana, as a citizen of that State, and as a public 
oflBcer the message of all the States, I come to say " Worthy Ver- 
mont." (Cheers.) She has kept the faith unfalteringly from 
Bennington to this day. She has added, in war and peace, many 
illustrious names to our roll of military heroes and of great states- 
men. Her representation in the National Congress, as it has been 
known to me, has been conspicuous for its influence, for the position 
it has assumed in committee, and in debate, and, so far as I can 
recall, has been without personal reproach. (Cheers.) We have 
occasionally come to Vermont with a call that did not originate 
with her people, and those have been answered with the same pure/ 
high public consecration to public duty as has been the case with 
those who have been chosen by your suffrages to represent the 
State, and I found when the difficult task of arranging a Cabinet 
was devolved upon me that I could not get along without a Vermont 
stick in it (laughter and applause), and I am sure you have plenty 
of timber left in each of the great political parties. (Cheers.) 
The participation of this State in the War of the Rebellion was 
magnificent. Her troops took to the fields of the South that high 
consecration to liberty which had characterized their fathers in the 
Eevolutionary struggle. (Applause.) They did not forget, on the 
hot savannas of the South, the green tops of these hills, ever in 
their vision, lifting up their hearts in faith that God would again 
bring the good cause of freedom to a just issue. (Applause.) We 
are, to-day, approaching the conclusion of a summer of extraor- 
dinary fruitfuhiess. How insignificant the stores that were 
gathered at Bennington, in 1777, compared with these great store- 
houses bursting with fulness to-day. Our excess meets the 
deficiency of Europe, and a ready market is offered for all our 
cereals. W^e shall grow richer by contributions which other coun- 
tries shall make as they take from our storehouses the food needed 
to sustain their people. But after all, it is not the census tables of 
production or of wealth that tell the story of the greatness of this 
country. Vermont has not been one of the rich states of the Union 
in gold and silver, and its lands have not given the returns that 
some of the fertile riversides of the West yield. There have been 
here constant effort and honest toil; bat out of all this there has 
been brought a sturdy manhood, which is better than riches, on 
which, rather than upon wealth, the security of our country rests. 
(Applause.) I beg you to accept my sincere thanks again for the 



ADBBESSES AT THE MONUMENT 99 

evidence of your friendliness, and my apology that the conditions 
are not such as to enable me to speak as I could wish. (Cheers.) 

After further music the Benediction was pronounced by the 
Rev. Charles Parkhurst, D.D. 

An Expressed OpiniojS". — The literary exercises were of a high 
order, voluminous and faultless. Judge Veazey was at his best. 
The Invocation by Rev. Dr. Parkhurst, of Boston, a native of 
Sharon, in this State, was able, concise and appropriate. Governor 
Page spoke both times with exceeding good taste and judgment, 
and the able President of the Association, ex-Governor Prescott, is 
always entertaining. 

The oration by Mr. Phelps is a masterly production, and, no 
doubt, will be regarded by many people as the climax-piece of that 
distinguished gentleman's oratory. It is plain to be seen that it 
was prepared with much research and care, and perfected in study. 
It is a beautiful tribute to Vermont, and by one of her most richly 
endowed sons ; fascinating in its construction, and was the gem of 
perfection in delivery — the product of genius and a patriotic heart. 
The oration may be likened to a picture of the tree of liberty, firmly 
rooted in the rich soil of freedom, with its sturdy trunk, stalwart 
form, beautiful foliage, and with flowers shooting out from every 
branch and stem. 

President Harrison's address at the Monument will take rank 
with his best efforts, and his later remarks at the Banquet were the 
feature of the occasion. The President indulges in but little by- 
play of words, and is a matter-of-fact man, rich in the memory of 
events and. the profitable lessons to be derived from them. He is 
thoroughly patriotic and American in his notions and beliefs, 
anxious only that he may be of service to his countrymen. He not 
only entertains his hearers, but never fails to interest them in the 
presentation of matters in which they are also interested, though 
speaking on the spur of the moment and at off-hand. 

Description of the Monument. — The Architect of the Battle 
Monument was Mr. J. Philipp Rinn, of Boston, who furnishes the 
following description of the structure, especially for this volume : 

The Bennington Battle Monument is located in Monument 
Park, the terminal of Monument av^enue, which runs nearly due 
North and South over the promontory, known as State- Arms Hill, 
projecting into the valley of the Walloomsac at Centre Bennington. 
This promontory has an altitude, from the valley below, of two 
hundred and eighty-five feet. At its summit and North-easterly 
brow, where the ground falls off abruptly, towers the Monument 
(306 feet 4^ inches), darkly up against the sky, with which the 



100 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

blue-grey magnesian lime-stone (Dolomite), shaft harmoniously 
blends. The light ever varying the tones and shades, and inspiring 
the modellings and texture of the rock-face stone of which the 
monument is constructed. Being thus placed prominently on the 
elevation referred to, in the midst of this extended valley and sur- 
rounded by mountains of various rolling forms and altitudes, the 
structure, with its broad and massive, but softly curved lines, and 
the strong color-effect of its material, comports with the landscape 
as a whole, but making itself strongly felt in this exceptionally 
grand landscape of which it forms a part. 

The monument is thirty-seven feet square where it springs 
from the grass-covered ground, and with a gradually diminishing 
curve sweeps upward to the height of one hundred and sixty-eight 
feet, where a horizontal belt eight feet high, and a second thirteen 
feet high, eleven feet above the first, slightly interrupt its upward 
curve. From this point the next one hundred and one feet, ten and 
one-half inches, are uninterrupted, but diminish more rapidly on 
Hearing the apex. The stone work is surmounted by a bronze- 
rodded hood and gilt star, the ten points of which are each eighteen 
inches long. The rod and star together measure four feet six inches 
high, thus constituting the dimension given. This metal star acts 
as a lightning rod point and is connected with the lightning rods, 
through the cope-stone, which run down the inner walls of the shaft. 

The belts or entablatures mentioned embellish the openings of 
the grand Look Out and Ante Room below it. These openings and 
windows are grouped in two tiers, being pierced as it were into the 
shaft, forming piers toward the right-angled corners, and square 
columns between the openings. The caps of the columns and piers 
are formed by the openings extending into the entablatures, thus 
the contour lines of the shaft are nearly undisturbed in their sweep 
from base to apex. 

The twenty openings in the grand Look Out have double rows 
of columns in the thickness of the walls. Between the outer and 
inner columns are placed three round bronze bars, three inches in 
diameter, arranged horizontally one foot apart, which act as guards 
for these openings. The twenty windows in the Ante Room, 
directly underneath, have bronze sashes with plate glass, as have 
also the windows on the west side, and the eight windows in 
Entrance Hall. The nineteen, three-inch wide slots of various 
heights, in the upper part of monument are open for ventilation. 
The monument's foundation is built on a ledge of limestone, and is 
nine feet thick where it rests on the ledge and tapers upward. 
The walls of the superstructure are seven feet and six inches thick 





I7fa>^^ — 



ADDRESSES AT THE MONUMENT. 101 

where they rise from the foundation and gradually diminish to two 
feet at the a]3ex finishing courses, and are built in courses of two 
feet rise for the first one hundred feet and less in rise upward. The 
twenty finishing courses have twenty inches rise and are two feet 
in depth. All the courses are in random lengths, and have dressed 
beds and builds and split-rock faces, except the entablatures and 
columns which are hammered. 

The four right-angled corners have one-quarter inch cut draft 
lines, which impart delicate and firm outlines to the shaft. All 
the ashlar joints are set on line with the right-angled corner 
draft lines. 

The entrance door opening and all other openings have 
hammered jambs, soffits, sills, and one-quarter inch face draft lines ► 

The entrance door is made in two parts of cast bronze, panelled 
and heavily moulded. The four upper panels have bronze grille 
work for the admittance of air. 

The Entrance Hall is twenty feet square and thirty-nine feet 
high, the floor of which is of North River stone laid on iron beams, 
and has a basement underneath ten feet high. 

This hall is lighted by eight long, narrow windows, and the 
walls are decorated with three stone tablets given by citizens from 
the States of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Yermont, which 
are lettered, respectively, in bold, raised block letters. 

In the Monument are stairs, landings and floors which are con- 
structed of wrought and cast iron. The stringers, beams and 
balusters are of wrought iron. The treads of stair and floor plates 
are of cast iron. 

The ceiling of Entrance Hall is of iron and forms as it were a 
large landing for the stairs. Each flight of stairs is the length of a 
side of the inner walls of the shaft. Between the Entrance Hall 
and grand Look Out floor there are thirty-four flights in all, with a 
total of four hundred and seventeen steps, and three long landings 
which are the length of one side, in the middle of which are long 
and narrow windows. 

The Ante Koom is at the height of one hundred and sixty-eight 
feet and is connected with the grand Look Out floor by a winding 
iron stair. The grand Look Out Room is eighteen feet square, the 
floor of which is constructed of North River stone, resting on brick 
arches. A magnificent view of the battlefield and the surrounding 
country is obtained from this room. 

The floor over the grand Look Out is reached by iron steps, 
which are encased in a drum, made of one-eighth inch bronze plates 
riveted together on an iron frame, which also protects from the 



102 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

weather, the communication between the upper and lower parts of 
the shaft, but at the same time allows the air to pass freely through 
the entire structure. This drum which is provided with a door, 
also serves as a head-house to circular stair. P'rom the floor just 
mentioned the top floor is reached by an iron ladder seventy-five 
feet high. At the level of this floor are eleven narrow openings, 
and a man-hole two feet square, which has a door made of bronze 
one-quarter of an inch thick. Through this opening the finishing 
courses of stone work can be examined. 

The BuEGOYNE Camp-Kettle. — This interesting relic, which 
is suspended in the interior of the Monument, was captured with 
other camp equipage at the surrender of General Burgyone at Sar-, 
atoga, October 17, 1777, and is said to have been among the effects 
found at the General's headquarters. It is exactly the form of a 
church bell inverted, and is 34 inches in diameter across the top, 
and will hold about a barrel. It has three stout '' peg " legs, about 
three inches in diameter and six inches long. The bottom is con- 
caved about three inches. It has a pair of heavy ears, or handles, 
near the top, through which are openings large enough to put along 
bar on each side, so it can be carried by four men or more, as a bier 
is carried. The same ears are to be used to suspend it by a chain to 
the limb of a tree, or under a tripod, when in use. It was for many 
years in the possession of parties at Castleton, Vermont, by whom 
its history was well-known, and was used for purposes incident to 
the requirements of a farm. It was several times cracked and 
mended, and at one time had a large piece, some 12 inches long and 
six inches deep, broken out of the upper edge. It had also a large 
hole burnt through the bottom. 

The break in the edge of the kettle was repaired by substitut- 
ing an artificial piece, and the hole in the bottom was, also, 
repaired by pouring in melted iron, and fusing the edges of the 
new and the old. 

In 1877 the old war relic was owned by Selah H. Langdon, of 
Castleton, Vermont, who has since died, and his interest became 
vested in John J. Langdon of the same place. It was brought to 
Bennington, to be exhibited at the Centennial Celebration, in 1876, 
but arrived too late for such exhibition. It remained several 
months at the railway freight house in care of Mr. Frank C. White, 
then superintendent of the Bennington & Rutland Kailvi^ay. At 
the suggestion of the Bennington Historical Society, at its next 
annual meeting, Colonel Olin Scott was appointed one of a commit- 
tee to care for the old kettle, and it was by him taken from the 
railway station to his home where it was kept until Saturday, 



THE BANQ UET EXER CISES. 103 

August 15, 1891, when Colonel Scott removed it to the Monument, 
and suspended it in its present position inside the Monument, and 
above the first floor. 

It bears the following inscription : " General Burgoyne's Camp- 
Kettle; captured October 17, 1777"; the false piece marked, "This 
is a piece " ; and on one of the long narrow patches, " These patches 
melted in to repair the cracks and to hold the piece." 

The Return to the Banquet. — It was 2.30, P. M., when the 
exercises at the Monument closed. They will long be remembered 
in the annals of the Green Mountain State. The divisions re-formed 
in proper order, with the carriages, and marched through Monument 
avenue. Main, and North streets, to Camp Vermont, arriving at 3.20, 
P. M., where the troops and other organizations were dismissed. 
The escorts and carriages went to the large tents near the Soldiers' 
Home, where the banquet was served. 



CHAPTER lY. 

The Dinner, and Postprandial Addresses. 

The Banquet. — At a meeting of the Centennial CommitteeSy 
held in Rutland, April 29, 1891, the popular character of the Ban- 
quet was determined, agreeable to the suggestion of Governor Page, 
and seconded by others. The price per plate was fixed at one dol- 
lar, and thenceforth all the efforts of the Committees (of which 
Judge Carney was President, and Chairman), had been directed to 
provide for the great number who were expected to dine with the 
Executive and the distinguished guests of the State. The proph- 
ecy of Governor Page, that " The people will want to go to the 
Banquet, and see and hear the prominent people to be present," 
was fully verified. The tables had been set for 3,500, but that 
number was insufficient to accommodate all who desired to partici- 
pate in the festivities, although the large company was quietly and 
expeditiously seated, and pleasantly served. Before the speaking 
began a great number of persons from the outside were permitted to 
flock into the tent and occupy the space in the aisles. There were 
probably 5,000 persons present when the President was introduced. 

The Banquet was served in two large tents, situated just a 
little North of West, a few rods from the front of the Soldiers^ 
Home building, shown in the illustration. Between these two 
points played the fountain. This is the highest single-jet fountain 
on the globe, and has a registered height of 196 feet, although the 
column ends in spray at from 165 to 180 feet, depending upon the 



104 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

air-currents. The higher fountain, situated in Europe, has side-jets 
supporting the main column, which this fountain has never had. 
The two tents occupied an area requiring 10,300 square yards of 
canvas, to cover. Tlie larger tent was arranged to seat 2,400 
people. Upon its South side, on a raised platform, 180 feet long, 
sat the President of the Day, the Orator, The President, Governors, 
and others, including those who spoke after dinner. The annex- 
tent was situated South and adjoining this platform, and was 
arranged for 1,100 plates. This plan allowed the practical throwing 
of both tents into one during the postprandial addresses, and con- 
duced greatly to the comfort of the assembly. 

The seats upon the raised platform ran lengthwise ; those of 
the tents at right angles from these. The principal guests were 
seated in order of precedence of rank. At the tables in front of the 
State table were seated the visiting organizations and other invited 
guests. Two tables on the left were occupied by the Knights Tem- 
plars. Next came the Vermont National Guard, then the Reception 
Committee, and next, near the center of the line, was the Press 
table. The two tables next in line were occupied by the Rhode 
Island and New Hampshire delegations. Next came the Massachu- 
setts delegation at two tables, then Vermont guests at three tables, 
and the Patriarchs Militant at the two tables, on the right. On 
President Harrison's right was seated Secretary Proctor, and on his 
left was Governor Page, and others, as shown in detail in Part II., 
Chapter III., of this work. 

The scene inside the banquet tents was one of brilliant beauty. 
Not only was the beauty and grace of the fair daughters of the 
Republic well-represented, but the decorations, the tables laid in 
snow-white linen, and even the arrangement of the china-ware and 
glassware — all contributed to make the tent interiors one of 
resplendent beauty, and most inviting. The huge poles holding up 
the vast canopy were garlanded with gladiolas, golden-rod and 
asparagus fronds. Gladiola filled hundreds of crystal jardinieres 
and converted the tables into a bower, greatly adding to the attrac- 
tiveness of the scene. On the State table, the decorations were 
most elaborate. Along the front of the platform were potted plants 
and ferns. At the front of The President's place at the table was a 
high epergne filled with pink la France roses and smilax. There 
was another epergne in front of General Alger's place filled with 
phlox, Drummondi, asters and roses. There were boutonnieres of cut 
roses at each plate. That for The President was a dark pink. 
Over the center of the table where The President sat were two large 
flags. Sixteen thousand pieces of figured china were used in the 



THE BAISTQ UET EXER CISES. 105 

main tent, and four thousand pieces in the annex. There were five 
thousand pieces of silver-ware. For the State table a special 
dinner service of Sevres and old Delf-ware graced The President's 
seat. Three hundred young women, clad in white, volunteers of 
Bennington's daughters, acted as waitresses. Colored waiters 
served the Presidential party. Inasmuch as there were over 3,500 
persons seated at the banquet tables there were no dinner cards. 

The memc served consisted of consomme glace, salad of lobster, 
potatoes, sardines, dressed tomatoes, "cold chicken, turkey, ham, 
tongue, lamb, veal, rolls, crackers, etc., cheese, almonds, frozen 
pudding ; vanilla, strawberry and chocolate creams, and a great 
variety of fancy ices, tea and coffee. The Montpelier Military 
orchestra rendered a choice programme during the gastronomical 
part of the banquet. The music was much enjoyed by all present. 

President Yeazey, at 4.45, P. M., " rapped the tables to order," 
after lunch had been thoroughly discussed, and opened the post- 
prandial exercises by again introducing President Harrison, in the 
following felicitous manner : The voice of the President of the 
United States has, as you have had occasion to notice, been used up 
in the service, to use a military phrase. It will be difficult for him 
to use it any more to-day. It will be impossible for him to be 
heard by this great audience unless the utmost silence is preserved 
by all who are here present. He has kindly consented, notwith- 
standing the dilapidated condition of his voice, to stand up and say 
a single word to you this second time to-day, and I now have the 
honor of presenting The President once more. (Applause.) After 
the applause had subsided, and order had been restored. 
The President, in Response, Spoke as Follows. — 

3fr. President and Felloio Citizens. — Whatever temporary 
injury my voice has suffered was not at the hands of Vermont. 
(Laughter and applause.) New York is responsible. In Albany I 
spoke in the rain to a large assemblage. Perhaps, if it were worth 
while to trace this vocal infirmity further, I might find its origin at 
Cape May (laughter), for I think I started upon this trip with the 
elements of a cold, that has to some degree marred the pleasure 
which I had anticipated to-day. But, notwithstanding what my 
friend General Veazey has described as " the dilapidated condi- 
tion " of my voice, I will respond to his request to say a word to 
you. I knew that General Veazey has been put in charge of the 
transportation lines of the country, but I did not expect to find 
him in charge of what the boys used to call the " cracker line." 
(Laughter.) It seems that his capacity for usefulness in the public 
service is so great and so diversified that you have called upon him 



106 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

to conduct the exercises of this magnificent occasion. He is a most 
excellent Interstate Commerce Commissioner (applause), an honor 
to your State, and I have no criticism of him as President of the 
Day, except that he calls too much attention to me. (Laughter and 
applause.) 

This scene, these tables so bountifully and so tastefully spread, 
was one full of beauty when we entered, but it seems now to have 
taken on some of that " dilapidation " which General Veazey 
ascribed to my voice. (Laughter.) I am sure that if the supplies 
gathered at Bennington to-day had been here in 1777 that struggle 
would have been much more obstinate. (Laughter.) But, my fel- 
low citizens, there is much in this occasion that is full of instruction 
to the strangers, who, by your hospitable invitation, have the privi- 
lege of meeting with you. Wherever men may have been born, 
within this galaxy of great States which makes the greater Union, 
there is respect and honor for the New England character. 

It has been a source of strength to the Nation in its develop- 
ment in material things. It has furnished to literature and to 
invention some of the largest contributions ; but more than all this it 
has done a great work for all the states, and especially those states 
of the West and North-west, hi which its enterprising sons have 
found new homes, in establishing everywhere a love of social order 
and patriotic devotion to the Union of States. (Applause.) If we 
seek to find the institutions of New England that have formed the 
character of its own people and have exercised a stronger moulding 
influence than that of any other section upon our whole people, we 
shall find them, I think, in their temples, in their schools, in their 
town meetings, and in'their God-fearing homes. (Applause.) The 
courage of those who fought at Bennington, at Concord, Lexington, 
Bunker Hill, and Saratoga, was born of a high trust in God. They 
were^men, who, fearing God, had naught else to fear. That devo- 
tion to local self-government which originated and for so long 
maintained the town meeting, establishing and perpetuating a true 
democracy, an equal, full participation and responsibility in all 
public affairs on the part of every citizen, was the cause of the 
development of the love of social order and respect for law which 
has characterized your communities, has made them safe and com- 
fortable abodes for your people. These migrations between the 
states have been to your loss, but there is now a turning back to 
'these States of New England and to some of its unused farms, 
which I believe is to continue and increase. The migrations which 
you have sent into the South to develop its industries, to open its 
mines,Jto set up factories and furnaces, is doing marvellous vWork in 



THE BANQ UET EXER CISES. 107 

unifying our people. (Applause.) As I journeyed recently across 
the continent, this oneness of our people was strongly impressed 
upon me. 1 think these Centennial observances, which have 
crowded one upon another from Concord to the Centennial of the 
adoption of the Constitution, and the organization of the Supreme 
Court, have turned the thought of our people to the most inspiring 
incident in our history, and have greatly intensified and developed 
our love of the flag and the Constitution. (Applause.) 

I do not believe there has been a time in our history when 
there has been a deeper, fonder love for the unity of the States for 
the flag that emblematizes this unity and for the Constitution which 
cements it. (Applause.) 

I believe we have come to a time when we may look out to 
greater things. Secure in our own institutions, enriched almost 
beyond calculation, I believe we have reached a time when we may 
take a large part in the great transactions of the world. (Cheers.) 
I believe our people are prepared now to insist that the American 
flag shall be seen upon the sea (applause), and that our merchants 
and manufacturers are ready to seize the golden opportunity that is 
now offered for extending our commerce into the states of Central, 
and South America. (Cheers.) I believe that conservative views 
of finance will prevail in this country. (Applause.) I am sure dis- 
content and temporary distress will not tempt our people to forsake 
those safe lines of public administration in which commercial secur- 
ity alone rests. (Applause.) As long as the General Government 
furnishes the money of the people for their great business transac- 
tions, I believe we will insist, as I have said before, that every 
dollar issued, whether paper or coin, shall be as good and be kept 
as good as any other dollar that issues. (Cheers.) The purity, the 
equality of what we call dollars must be preserved, or an element of 
uncertainty and of bankruptcy will be introduced into all business 
transactions. This I may say without crossing lines of division. 
How this end is to be attained I will not attempt to sketch, but I 
do not hesitate to say that I feel myself pledged, so far as in me 
lies, to maintain that equality between our circulating money that 
is essential to the perfect use of all. (Prolonged applause.) 

I have gone beyond the promise of the President of the Day, 
and have been betrayed by your friendliness into speaking two or 
three words. May I, in closing, tender to these good women of Ver- 
mont my thanks for the grace and sweetness which their services 
and their presence have lent to this happy occasion. May I say to 
them that the devoted services of their mothers, their courage and 
patience and helpfulness shown by the women in their great strug- 



108 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

gle for liberty cannot be too highly appreciated. It was an easier 
fate to march with bared breasts against the Hessian ramparts at 
Bennington than to sit in the lonely homestead awaiting the issue, 
with tearful eyes uplifted to God in prayer for those who perilled 
their lives for the cause. All honor to the New England mother, 
the queen of the New England home. (Applause.) There, in those 
nurseries of virtue and truth, have been found the strongest influ- 
ences that have moulded your people for good, and led your sons to 
honor. (Great cheering.) 

At the close of The President's remarks Judge John V. Carney, 
President of the "Citizens Committee of Fifty," of Bennington, was 
introduced to The President and presented him with a Souvenir 
medal, of solid gold, of the official pattern. These medals were 
struck in three metals, viz. : gold, one for President Harrison ; 
bronze, for the President of the Day, the Executive Committees? 
State guests, etc. ; silver, for the general public. The design 
included a red, white and blue badge, one and one- half inches in 
length, hanging from a milled-edge bar, one and one-half inches 
long, upon which was the word "Bennington," in raised letters. 
The centre-white had a bronze figure in Continental uniform, below 
which, running across the tri-colored ribbon, was the date : August 
19, 1891. Pendant from the badge and bar, attached by three links, 
was the medal. This was the size of a silver dollar and bore upon 
its face, in a centre-panel, the figure of the Monument. Upon 
either side were the dates " 1777," " 1891." The circular inscription 
read as follows: "Dedication of the Bennington Battle Monu- 
ment." Obverse. — In an outer-circle which bore the words : 
" Centennial Celebration of the Admission of Vermont as a State," 
enclosed by a circle of stars, in a centre-field, was the State Coat-of- 
Arms of Vermont, resting upon a cluster of flags, supported by the 
two cannon captured at Bennington battle, below them the dates, 
"1791-1891." The medal was a neat affair, creditable to its 
designer, and a tasty personal decoration. 
Presentation of the Souvenir Gold Medal. — 

Mr. President, — Allow me, sir, — as the humble representative 
of your many friends in Bennington, who recognize in you the brave 
and patriotic soldier, the honest and eminent statesman, and the 
true Christian gentleman, — to present to you this Souvenir as a 
token of the respect in which you are held by the people of our 
historic town, trusting that, in future years, it may recall to your 
mind pleasant memories of this Centennial occasion. 

May the Great Ruler, Who holds the destiny of peoples and 
Nations in his hands, grant you many happy years of usefulness, in 




.^^ 





THE BANQ UET EXER CISES. 109 

both public and private life. [The medal was pinned upon The 
President's coat.] 

President Harrison, apparently much affected, replied in these 
words : " I thank you, sir, though a memorial was not needful to 
preserve in my heart grateful memories of this day." 

Governor Russell of Massachusetts was the next speaker. In 
presenting him President Veazey referred to the fact that Massa- 
chusetts was at Bennington upon the greatest occasion in its 
history, in August 1777, and was, also, here at the great Centennial 
Celebration of the hundredth anniversary of the battle, in August 
1877; and that she was again here on this occasion, — in the person 
of her young and eloquent Governor, and many other State officials, 
and civil and military organizations, — to participate with Vermont, 
and New Hampshire, in the observances of this day : 
Governor Russell's Speech. — 

It is always a pleasure and a privilege to give voice to the senti- 
ment of friendship and of love that hallows and glorifies the Union 
of our sisterhood of States in one great, powerful, and permanent 
Nation. It adds to the pleasure when, as to-day, with this senti- 
ment we can mingle our congratulations in recalling two great 
epochs in the history of a State when courage, patriotism and per- 
severance gave life and independence to her, greater safety and 
strength to her sister States, and to our common country a bright 
page in its glorious history. 

Gladly I bring to you from the old Bay State her congratula- 
tions and her love, as the unanimous sentiment of her sturdy and 
patriotic children. This sentiment is but the natural, spontaneous 
feeling between States whose relations have always been those of 
amity, good- will and support, from the early days when these green 
hills had but begun to develop the life which a century ago 
matured in a free and independent State. 

In her struggle with her nearest neighbors, who loved her quite 
too much to give her up, Vermont had all the sympathy Massachu- 
setts could give without herself becoming embarrassed in her 
family relations. Long before Ethan Allen bore to astonished 
Ticonderoga the command of the " Continental Congress and the 
great Jehovah," yes, even before the days of Wolfe and Montcalm, 
Massachusetts looked to the brave sons of the Green Mountains as 
an insuperable barrier between her and her foes, a barrier tried and 
found true, a little later, in the victory we justly commemorate as 
the turning point in the dark days of our Revolution ; and again 
tried and again true, a generation later, in McDonough's gallant 
victory on Lake Champlain. 



110 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

Shoulder to shoulder stood Massachusetts and Vermont in 
those days of struggle and suffering; hand in hand have they 
walked since, sharing each other's joys and sorrows through the 
sunshine and the clouds which have broken over our fair Republic. 

Massachusetts has a deep interest in this commemorative Mon- 
ument. It recalls the valor of her sons ; the union of all, heart and 
hand, for the common weal; the sacrifices of the fathers, for the 
liberty of the children ; the beginning of a great Nation ; the cour- 
age, patriotism and struggle which wrought its independence and 
founded free institutions that would insure to its people happiness 
and prosperity, and lead the world to a truer, nobler life. So the 
Mother States, as together they shared the labor of the victory, so 
together, generously, gratefully, they erect this Monument, that the 
struggle and victory may live forever. The acts of States, rather 
than the words of man, are the fitting tribute to brave deeds bravely 
done for love of country : 

" Wut's words to them whose faith an' truth 

" On war's red techstone rang true metal ; 
" Who ventured life an' love an' youth 

■■ Far th^ jjreat prize of death in battle ?" 

But to-day we commemorate not one event alone. A century 
ago Vermont, first of the great incoming sisterhood, took her place 
among what the poet calls the " stars of glory." Not large in terri- 
tory, not significant in population, yet she has ever maintained in 
our Union a position of stability, influence, patriotism and power 
which have made her a potent factor in the well-being and progress 
of our Continental Republic. 

To-day we think of her not alone as the Vermont whom Stark 
and Allen made famous, not alone as the pleasant land of hill and 
valley, but as the greater Vermont who has sent her children forth 
from ocean to ocean to build up the Nation, and to stamp upon it 
the sterling virtues of sturdy New England life. 

The statistican will tell us that Vermont is stationary, that her 
population does not increase. Yes, she is stationary, as the family 
home is stationary, because those who have been born into it have 
gone forth from it, in obedience to the great law which God gave 
man, to subdue and replenish the earth. Her children have made 
her influence felt throughout the Union, because they have carried 
forth from the home the mother's teaching, the courage, strength 
and character which seem to be bone of her bone, and blood of her 
blood. It is her life rather than her size, her virtues rather than 
her riches, that have made her prominent and powerful. Here in 
this rugged, typical New England State have been exemplified the 
glowing words of our liberty-loving, undying, Lowell : 

"Before man made us citizens, great Nature made us men." 



THE BANQ UET EXER CISES. Ill 

So, as we stand to-day beside the rushing river of our prosper- 
ity, and strive to trace its sources, we find one of its clear and 
sparkling fountains amid the green hills of Vermont. 

In their life and work, their character and virtues, their pur- 
poses and influence, Yermont and Massachusetts stand close 
together. 

With mutual love and esteem each for the other, Massachu- 
setts has never failed in her interest in Vermont, and especially in 
Bennington, from the day when Stark sent to our Commonwealth 
the trophies of his victory (still reverently preserved), and in return 
she voted him her thanks, a suit of clothes and a piece of linen, and 
again a century later made her generous contribution to this, his 
monument. 

Our affection for our sister State is none the less if we do not 
settle within her borders, but cling with filial love to the old Bay 
State, and there, as here, enjoy the beauty, simplicity and vigor of 
our New England life. 

In 1782 when John Adams was minister at The Hague, his 
wife in his absence purchased lands in Vermont and suggested a 
removal there at some future time. Our gifted minister, broken in 
health and worn in mind, wrote in despair : " What is to become 
of the independent statesman, one who will bow the knee to no 
idol, who will worship nothing as a divinity but truth, virtue and 
his country ? " And then he exclaims " Oh, peace, when wilt thou 
permit me to visit Penn's hill, Milton hill, and all the Blue hills ? I 
love every tree and every rock upon all those mountains. Roving 
among these will be the amusement of my declining years. God 
willing, I will not go to Vermont; I must be within scent of 
the sea." 

So to-day, as the children of Vermont cherish with special love 
and reverence their native State, we, too, cannot forget our native 
hills and valleys and rock-bound coast, our Greylock, our Wachu- 
sett, our Berkshire and our Blue hills, around which are nestled so 
much of comfort, prosperity and happiness, and to which we long- 
ingly turn for rest and for peace. Much as we love and honor 
Vermont, we must say with John Adams : God willing, we will not 
go to Vermont ; we must be within scent of the sea. But there 
it will be our pride and pleasure, as it is our blessed privilege, to do 
whatsoever we may to sustain the life and the principles which 
have made Vermont and Massachusetts alike the home of the happy 
and the brave. 

The next speaker presented was Governor Tuttle, of New 
Hampshire, who spoke as follows : 



112 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

Governor Tuttle's Speech. — 

Responding to the call of Vermont, representatives of New 
Hampshire appear here to-day to unite with those of other States, 
and with those the National Government in the ceremonies of the 
dedication of this magnificent memorial shaft, Bennington Battle 
Monument, which shall stand before future generations in lofty 
grandeur, a constant reminder of the brave deeds and virtues of the 
men who fought for home and liberty on yonder hill, and of the 
momentous victory which they won. 

On occasions like this it is well to listen with grateful interest, 
while the merits and sacrifices of our Revolutionary fathers are 
recounted, though we have read of them and heard of them again 
and again. 

While white men have never fought with white men in war on 
the soil of New Hampshire, her sons have always been willing and 
prompt to march and to fight, whenever and wherever a State or 
common defence required their support. Moved by patriotic prin- 
ciple and profound sympathy for others, as w^ell as by desire for 
self-protection, the New Hampshire men advanced beyond their 
frontier with no government control but their own, and assisted in 
repelling invaders in two great Revolutionary battles in New 
England. They chose not to defer action till forced to meet the 
shock of battle and to defend themselves from the ravages of war at 
home. When tidings of hostilities at Lexington, and Concord, 
reached New Hampshire, a large number of her patriots, seizing 
such arms as they possessed, rushed for the front. They marched 
without orders and without invitation. Almost 2,000 had reached 
the vicinity of Boston within the first three days. Two regiments 
were soon organized from these men. John Stark was unanimously 
chosen, by hand vote, Colonel of the First, and James Read became 
Colonel of the Second. Nothing connected with the battle of 
Bunker Hill appears from true historic record to be more definite, 
decisive and important than the part enacted in that unique conflict 
by these New Hampshire regiments, led, with entire independence 
of superior orders, by Stark as senior officer. 

During the first year of the War of the Revolution the Colonial 
armies were mainly successful. But defeat, dissension, disease and 
disaster so modified their operations in the second year that little 
was gained to cheer the hearts of the friends of liberty and 
independence. The people, too, began to feel more keenly the effects 
of the war-draft on their resources. The daring, brilliant and vic- 
torious attack on the Hessians at Trenton, where Colonel Stark led 
the right wing of the advanced guard by the command of Washing- 



/"■ 



^^'\. 



>«^ --" 




M>ura^^>-7^ -yy^dJ'WU^^ 



THE BANQ UET EXER CISES. 113 

ton, and the short, sharp and triumphant fight with the British at 
Princeton, served for a time to revive the waning zeal of the people, 
and to restore confidence in the army. 

The continued depressing outlook, which confronted the Colo- 
nists, in the summer of 1777, was greatly augmented by 'the near 
approach of General Burgoyne, in his advance from Montreal to 
Albany, in pursuance of the plan of separating New England from 
other Colonies by military methods. The abandonment of our 
largest fortress, Ticonderoga, July 6th, and the battle of Hubbard- 
ton on the following day, the quality of the invading army, made 
up of British and Hessian veterans, Canadians, Tories, and Ameri- 
can savages, the menacing proclamations of General Burgoyne, and 
the wild rumors of Indian atrocities, notably the massacre of Jane 
McCrea, spread consternation among the inhabitants of Eastern 
New York, Vermont, and Western Massachusetts. The Council of 
Safety, of the new State of Vermont, sent supplicatory letters to 
Massachusetts, and also to Xew Hampshire. The latter reached 
their destination just after the Legislature had adjourned. It was, 
however, called together by the Committee of Safety, and favorably 
considered the entreaty from Vermont that troops be sent to their 
assistance. But New Hampshire was destitute of money and 
means, having reached the limit of its resources, as it was supposed, 
in furnishing troops. John Langdon, the patriotic merchant, then 
pledged much of his private fortune to replenish the empty treas- 
ury of the State, and the Legislature voted at once to raise and 
forward a brigade for the defence of this and the neighboring 
States, and appointed Colonel John Stark Brigadier- General to com- 
mand it. Colonel Stark was at his home at this time, his sense of 
honor having compelled him to resign his commission when a junior 
officer was promoted over him to the rank of Brigadier-General, by 
Congress, with the idea that he was self-willed. He accepted the 
commission on condition that he should exercise his own judg- 
ment in commanding his troops and be accountable to, and take 
orders from, the authorities of New Hampshire and none other. He 
was very soon sending forward from Charlestown, the men who 
hastened to his standard, to Colonel Seth Warner, commanding the 
troops of the new State at Manchester, where he in a short time 
joined them. Here General Lincoln came with an order from 
General Schuyler to conduct the militia to Stillwater. General 
Stark, having explained to General Lincoln the relation of himself 
and his command, determined that the order should not' be 
executed. For this action Congress censured him. Being informed 
of the intention of the enemy to capture the stores at Bennington, 



114 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

Stark, accompanied by Colonel Warner, marched his forces to that 
town, having made arrangements for detachments to join him 
there. On August 14th the approach of the enemy was learned 
from Lieutenant- Colonel Gregg, of New Hampshire, who was 
detached with 200 men to discover him. General Stark immedi- 
ately marched forth jBive miles and boldly offered battle, which was 
evaded by the unknown foe. Abundant rain prevented movements 
of the armies on the 15th, but troops arrived from Massachusetts, 
and the British forces spent the day in intrenching. 

On the memorable and beautiful day, August 16th, General 
Stark, having made careful preparation and skilful disposition of 
his troops, in open field, with a few bayonets and no cannon, 
attacked and killed or captured or put to flight, in two engagements, 
some of the best veteran troops of Great Britain and Germany, 
thoroughly equipped and protected by cannon and breastworks. 
They achieved a victory of unsurpassed brilliancy, which, by its 
immediate and remote results, holds high place among the most 
important events in the annals of our country. 

Although Congress had slighted and censured General Stark, 
within six months they made him a Brigadier-General in the army 
of the LTnited States, and presented their thanks to him and the 
officers and troops under his command. Congress was compelled 
to do this to keep up with the procession of the applauding people. 

A hundred and fourteen years, with all their mutations, sepa- 
rate us from those scenes. Lundy's Lane, and Jackson at New 
Orleans, Buena Yista and Chepultepec, Vicksburg, and Appomat- 
tox, and innumerable things, having exercised the interest, wonder 
and admiration of intervening generations, now belong to the his- 
toric past. But the influence of Bennington is still potent as the 
vast concourse here assembled attests. 

Under the title :. " Bennington Troops, 1777," in Volume II., of 
*' Revolution Rolls," of New Hampshire, edited from original rolls 
with great care by the Official State Historian, are recorded the 
names, rank, terms of service (general average being about two 
months), with other details, of more than 1,500 New Hampshire 
men. Colonel George C. Gilmore, who has been a Special Commis- 
sioner to investigate such matters for the State, has published a 
volume entitled : " New Hampshire Soldiers at Bennington," in 
which he records the name, residence, regiment, rank, company, and 
date of enlistment of each of the 1,467 New Hampshire men who 
fought under Stark at Bennington. He omits from the official rolls 
all who died or left before, or enlisted after August 16, 1777, the 
date of the battle. 



THE BA NQ UET EXER CISES. 1 1 5 

Vermont has not a full official record of her troops, engaged in 
the Battle of Bennington, as I learn through one of her mtelligent 
citizens. Estimates of their number must rest on the best informa- 
tion obtainable. It is certain that Colonel Seth Warner was there as 
a valued adviser of Stark. It is certain that Colonel Herrick was' 
there with his Rangers arrayed in green, and it is certain that the 
" Green Mountain Boys " put every possible man and every possible 
musket into the fight. There is no doubt that the heroic clergyman 
from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Rev. Thomas Allen, came early and 
eager for the fight, and was effective therein, being accompanied by 
all the men that he could induce to follow him. Other troops came 
timely from Massachusetts to take part in the second engagement. 

President Bartlett, in his Centennial address, says: "The 
plunder taken at Bennington was divided between 2,250 men" : but 
some troops arrived soon after the battle was over. 

The Bennington fight of General John Stark and his men from 
Vermont, Massachusetts, and Xew Hampshire, with the motley 
forces of Baum and Breyman, may seem to be of small moment 
when compared with the tremendous struggles of the Great 
Rebellion, but it was essential in establishing the existence of the 
Nation, in its infancy, as the appalling battle of Gettysburg was 
essential in maintaining the life and unity of the Nation in its 
maturity. 

New Hampshire congratulates the Government and people of 
Vermont, ever among the foremost in liberality and zeal, in honoring 
the memory of the benefactors of our country, on the measure and 
success of their efforts in effecting such a grand consummation of 
this great work, which commemorates an event that reflects honor 
on our State through the valor of Stark and his brigade. 

New Hampshire would express her profound and grateful 
appreciation of the generous and persistent labors of the noble men 
who have caused and guided the erection of this Monument, which 
stands a memorial of the patriotism of the past, and represents 
to-day the patriotic gratitude, not only of three States but of 
the Nation. 

Governor Hill was expected to be present, to respond in behalf 
of the State of New York, but being unable to attend President 
Veazey called upon Major-General Oliver Otis Howard, command- 
ing the Department of the East, to speak for that State, his 
headquarters being at that time in New York: 
General Howard's Remarks. — 

Mr. President^ Ladies and Gentlemen. — A few moments ago 
General Veazey crept around behind my chair and said : " The 



116 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

Governor of New York is absent and we have no one to represent 
him and we don't know what to do. As you are from that State 
you will speak for Governor Hill, will you not ? " 

It struck me as amusing in the extreme to make me a substi- 
•tute for the present Governor of the great State of New York, and 
yet, there appears to be some iitness in it, for I do come from that 
State, and belong to the City of New York ; to the First Ward of 
the City, dwelling upon Governor's Island ; and though denominated 
" a radical " I have always inclined to democratic in contradistinc- 
tion to aristocratic ideas. 

There has been a great deal said by the orator of the day and 
others, against us New Yorkers on this occasion ; in short, it is 
represented that there was formerly a controversy that almost 
amounted to a war between the inhabitants of New York and the 
dwellers upon the plantations in these regions, but so patriotic were 
the "Green Mountain Boys" that they fought with ardor in the 
Revolution, to the end of that struggle, reserving the settlement 
with their New York enemies till the close of that war. In fact, 
they had to make, all the time, a front fight, and withstand a flank 
fire upon them. 

Now a fair presentation of the matter will show that it was not 
the people of New York at all, even in those days of a corrupt and 
tyrannical Governor with avaricious surroundings, who, aided and 
abetted by those surroundings, had coveted the Vermont planta- 
tions or the " Hampshire Grants." 

We would have the distinct understanding, and were Governor 
Hill here to-day he would assure you of the fact, that since those 
old days, things have greatly changed ; that there are no longer 
tyrannical Governors, or avaricious surroundings; or if, perchance, 
the people find upon such occasions an abnormal condition of 
affairs at the capital of a State, the incumbents are soon after 
speedily voted out of the place. 

To show that matters are not so bad as history presents, take a 
look at this magnificent, obelistic-like monument which Vermonters 
and New Hampshire men have combined to erect. But where did 
they get the substance of the structure itself, — the splendid stone 
of which it is made? Why ! of course from the quarries within the 
State of New York. What could give a better basis of Union and 
settlement, gentlemen of the committee, than for you to furnish the 
money and New York the granite ; and this settlement certainly is 
a little remarkable considering that New Hampshire itself and some 
portions of Vermont are made of granite. But in these days there 
is not only a common patriotism, but people make a common cause, 



THE BANQ UET EXER CISES. Ill 

and have a common interest, mutual agreements, and conspicuous 
reciprocity. 

Comrades of the Rebellion, for I see many of you before me 
to-day, I have improved the opportunity of meeting very many 
who are decrepit with wounds or age, in your beautiful Soldiers' 
Home. My mind and heart are full of reminiscences connected 
with Vermont men. Lately, I was reminded at Gettysburg, during 
the visit of the Count de Paris, of your work there, and was glad to 
see that your General Stannard had the loftiest monument. Con- 
cerning him, your representative in the President's cabinet, Mr. 
Proctor, has given me, in addition to my own knowledge, bright and 
interesting war stories ; they two, are nobly associated in my 
memory. 

The Second Vermont formed a part of my first brigade, and 
went with me into our first battle, that of Bull Run. It was a 
superb regiment ; and I believe between the brave spirits that made 
up its ranks and myself, was a mutual regard. For the non-com- 
missioned officers just after we parted, through the changes of the 
war-organizations, presented me a beautiful sword which I wore 
during the remainder of the war, and which, refitted, with some of 
its dents and scars and bends removed, I have worn on all parades, 
State and National occasions. It is a perpetual reminder of the 
patriotism and thoughtful kindness of Vermont men. No general 
could ask for better soldiers than they were. 

Oh! ''Bull Run," that was a failure! writes the historian. 
Perhaps so, but surely, there was a Providence in that battle. We 
were not yet equipped, either in sentiment or in sacrifice or in 
provision for the prolonged great struggle. 

This is a patriotic day. It is a reminder of what our fathers 
provided for us, our American Institutions. I am a thorough 
believer in the practical oneness and genuine American life to which 
President Harrison has so aptly and feelingly referred. 

American Institutions, what are they ? I have been accus- 
tomed of late to divide them into three classes : the home, the 
sweet, Christian home, such homes as are not often found in other 
lands ; the school, especially the common school, which brings the 
springs of adequate knowledge to every child, which the enemies of 
our liberty-loving country ardently wish to cripple or destroy ; and 
then not the church, but the churches^ those which our fathers 
founded, where men can worship God according to the dictates of 
their individual consciences without let or hindrance. These, to 
my mind, are the fundamental institutions of the land ; they are, 
indeed, what our fathers of the Revolution fought for; they are 



118 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

what in these later years Vermont soldiers had in mind. Institu- 
tions which they and their comrades of other States have, thank 
God, made universal ! These Institutions ! We are glad, now that 
the flag of genuine freedom waves over every State, to commit 
them to our children and children's children, who, we are confident, 
will have the virtue, the patriotism and the Divine help to render 
them perpetual. 

The next speaker called upon was ex-Governor Russell A. 
Alger, of Michigan. The President remarked that although General 
Alger was not a native of Vermont, or a resident of the State, he 
had married a Vermont lady and was, therefore, assigned to speak 
for the women of Vermont : 
General Alger's Remarks. — 

Mr. Chairman^ Ladies and Gentlemen. — To me has been 
assigned the very pleasing part in this programme, of responding to 
the toast, " The Women of Vermont." I gratefully acknowledge my 
debt to the Green Mountain State, referred to by General Veazey, 
and am glad to testify that, in a very large measure, whatever of 
prosperity and happiness have come to me, is due to her who has 
been ray life-counsel, and who is proud to enroll herself as a 
Daughter of Vermont. 

All who are attending these festivities, can well testify to the 
lovely hospitality and gentle kindness of the women of this Com- 
monwealth, and could you look in upon the happy home where we 
are domiciled, you would readily see why a Vermont home is 
my ideal. 

What can I say of the women of Vermont? They are beyond 
praise\ and, like the women all over this country, whenever war has 
been inflicted upon it, have been the strong right arm of the men in 
the field, and by their courage, self-sacrifice and counsel, have 
cheered and encouraged those who have had to meet the foe, and 
thus have directly aided in the success that has always attended 
our arms. 

One without experience might wonder why men have the cour- 
age to go into battle, but it is easily explained when it is 
remembered that besides their own sense of duty, their love of 
country and their own determination, a silent power impels them 
on, and that power the fact that every man, in the field, had at 
home his " Annie Laurie." 

While we have been dedicating this great structure to the 
heroes of the battle of Bennington I have been thinking, not only of 
this, but of other monuments reared to the memory of men who 
have served this country, which I have seen in the past few years, 







1 



^— — ^ 



i^c" 



I ■ 



y 




^D Q^'-o 




^A J) 




THE BANQUET EXERCISES. 119 

and have thought how far they fall short of telling the whole story. 

If behind, and around these structures there could be seen, 
hovering, the forms of the women at home who cheered the men on, 
and made them soldiers ; and if, still further, it was possible to 
gather about them the anxieties, tears and sorrows, the long years 
of painful watching for the sound of the foot-fall that was never 
again to be heard crossing the threshold at home ; and also the 
sufferings of the wounded in the field and hospital, far from home 
and friends, that in a measure would represent war. But all this is 
impossible, and while I gladly see this Monument erected to the 
men in the field, I have thought what an impossible task it would 
be to erect a fitting one to the women, — the greatest sufferers of 
all wars ; because the dome of the skies would not be high enough 
to receive its cope-stone. God bless the women ? 

Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very glad indeed to 
have had this opportunity to be with you to-day, and I wish to the 
women of Vermont, every happiness that can come to mortals in 
this life. 

President Yeazey next introduced the Hon. Redfield Proctor, 
Secretary of War, who spoke briefly. [When Secretary of War 
Proctor arose in his place beside The President, he was unable to 
stand erect under the low roof of the tent, and two men with poles 
held up the tent roof while he spoke. The incident furnished a good 
deal of amusement, and Secretary Proctor turned it to account.] 
He said : 
Remarks of Redfield Proctok, Secretary of War. — 

Mr. President^ Ladies and Gentlemen. — I can this time at least, 
honestly say and prove, that it was not intended to call upon me for 
any response, for the tent is so pitched, that where I am, the head 
of a man over six feet-one is lost in its folds. Many of our guests 
from other States, and perhaps a very few native Vermonters, are 
under that measure ; and the tent and platform were evidently 
arranged by some envious person of low stature, to give that class 
the monopoly of the speaking, and shut out the average Vermonter, 
and for my part it is a matter of regret that your President has 
undertaken to thwart his designs. 

I am here in a two-fold capacity to-day. As a visitor, I am glad 
to say that the exercises of this occasion have been of a higher order, 
its general conduct and management better, than those of any simi- 
lar occasion which it has been my good fortune to attend. As a 
Vermonter, I am proud that The President and so many distin- 
guished guests have had this opportunity to see our State and people, 
and that they are honored by the presence of this grand assemblage. 



120 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

Xowhere, within the bounds of this vast Nation, can its Chief 
Magistrate find a people who, from the first struggle for independence, 
from the time of Ticonderoga, and Bennington, to Gettysburg, and 
Appomattox, have been more loj^al and devoted to the great princi- 
ples there established and maintained, or more ready to do and dare 
in their behalf. 

We are glad to see and welcome our guests and thank them for 
their presence. But I am sure they will acknowledge that they are 
under greater obligation for the opportunity to be here to-day. 

The next speaker introduced was Hon. William H. H. Miller, 
Attorney-General of the United States : 
Response by Attorney-General Miller. — 

The Editor of this volume, in reply to a request for a resume of 
General Miller's remarks, received the following letter : 

Office of the Attorney-General, 

Washington, D. C, Dec. 26, 1891. 
H. L. Stillson^ Esq.^ Chairman Committee on Printing., JBen- 
onngion^ Vt. My Dear Sir. — Yours of December 12th, enclosing 
a clipping in reference to my remarks at the dinner at Bennington, 
is received. I have scarcely thought of the fact that I made any 
remarks at the Bennington least since the day of its occurrence. It 
is, therefore, quite impossible for me to recall what was said. Upon 
the supposition that possible a fuller report might be found, my 
Private Secretary has been searching the files since your letter was 
received, but without success. Anything I might send now would 
be simply a new speech, not a recollection of the old one, and, 
therefore, I must beg you to excuse me. 

Very truly yours, W. H. H. Miller. 

The newspaper report, referred to, is as follows : " Attorney- 
General Miller said he had. been most intensely interested in the 
the day's exercises. ' I have never heard the story so well pre- 
sented as by Vermont's peerless Orator of to-day, — a man who 
always returns increase for the honor he has received.' He referred 
briefly to the valor of the patriots of the Mohawk Valley and the 
part they played in the War of the Revolution. Those yoemen in 
that dreadful time showed themselves worthy of the men who had 
fought under the banner of William the Silent. He rehearsed the 
valiant relief of Fort Stanwix, a short time before the battle of Ben- 
nington, where the ravages of the British and Indians were stopped 
and the marauders sent flying back to Canada. As to the Battle of 
Bennington, it had occurred to him that the readiness with which 
the Hessians surrendered may be taken as a sign of gallantry, for it 
was his idea that almost anybody would surrender before taking 
the chance of making Mollie Stark, or other good looking women, a 
widow." 




_ .^.J- ,-^.^y ^.^ 






y^ . j^ ^^Z^-^,,. 



THE BANQ UET EXER CISES. 121 

General Alexander H. Webb, President of the College of the 
City of New York, was next introduced. President Veazey spoke 
of him as the gentleman who, probably, had a wider knowledge of 
interesting incidents of the unpublished history of the War of the 
Rebellion, than anj^ other man now living; and, who, though dis- 
tinguished throughout the war, was perhaps best known and most 
honored for his eminent services in command of a brigade, in the 
front line, at the so-called high- water-mark of Rebellion, on the field 
of Gettysburg. Mr. Webb spoke as follows : 
General Webb's Response to a Sudden Call. — 

It is to me a new sensation to stand before an audience so 
thoroughly American, and to feel assured that when I speak the 
American language, I can be understood by every member of this 
vast assemblage. 

Your presiding officer has kindly referred to the services of my 
command at the battle of Gettysburg, in. your presence and in 
the presence of his Excellency The President, Members of the Cabi- 
net, Governors of States, representatives of the army and navy, and 
invited guests, representing the highest interests of the Nation ; 
and he has, also, presented me in a manner calculated to either 
prevent one speaking at all before you, if he followed the dictates of 
those feelings which ordinary modesty would arouse, or, on the other 
hand, would be prompted to speak with earnestness, and in flattering 
terms of the help given me by the very troops represented by the 
chief men of your State, and the major portion of the old soldiers 
now before me. I prefer to choose the latter course, and to pay wil- 
ling tribute to the valor displayed by the organizations sent from 
Vermont. 

We who reached Washington at an early date, educated at 
West Point, and serving from Minnesota to Florida, from the 
Atlantic to the Pacific, were particularly interested in the solution 
of the problem, which confronted our military leaders, when the 
question arose involving the brigading of troops and the selection of 
Brigadier-Generals to command them. Our views were especially 
cosmopolitan, and we could not look with favor upon the continuance 
of State organizations. Brigades of Massachusetts, and Vermont, 
and Pennsylvania troops, commanded by general officers appointed 
to represent the States, were, in our opinion, organizations to be 
looked upon with, to say the least, a want of approval. We were 
greatly afraid that the tendency would be to preserve State distinc- 
tions and State lines, in the very army which should appear to us to 
be the most National, and the most free from these very State 
distinctions. 



122 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

But your Generals Stannard and Wells, your Proctors, and 
your Grants and Veazeys, your highest and your smallest, the great 
leaders of your State organizations proved to us, in the end, that our 
suspicions were unjust and our apprehensions uncalled for. No 
man has more to say in favor of the Vermont Brigade organization 
than he to whom the Vermont Brigade, under General George J. 
Stannard, gave such memorable assistance on July 3, 1863. Never 
have troops, handled with judgment and discretion, and moved with 
celerity and dash, performed greater service and made more modest 
claims to distinction or preferment. And, to-day, a living witness of 
your gallant service on the field of Gettysburg, adds — to this small 
tribute to the value of the services rendered by Stannard on July 3, 
1863 — this further expression of his gratitude to Vermont Generals, 
Vermont Governors, and Vermont soldiers, for the many exhibitions 
of kindly feeling and respect which he has, for nearly thirty years, 
received from his brother soldiers from Vermont, who on that 
memorable field joined their forces with his own, and enabled him to 
finally repel the rebel charge, which, unfortunately for the truth of 
history, has given to a Union battle a rebel name. And it seems to 
me now has forever fixed the public eye on a rebel assault, instead 
of upon the Union repulse of it. 

General John G. McCuUough of Bennington, was next introduced 
as the selected representative to speak for the people of Bennington ; 
and in behalf of the Bennington Battle Monument Association, 
in which he had long been an officer and had rendered most valu- 
able service : 
Resume of General McCullough's Remarks. — 

General John G. McCul lough spoke for the Battle Monument 
Association, and also for the people of Bennington. His remarks 
were very happy. After some pleasantries, he reviewed the historic 
incidents of the occasion, and, among other things, said : 

" The Battle Monument Association needs no other advocate 
than the shaft on yonder hill. The Monument speaks for itself. 
The silent eloquence of its stately and shapely proportions, down the 
ages, will ever be the best, as they will be the most enduring testi- 
mony to the labors of the Association. 

" And as for the people of Bennington, they would rather listen 
than be heard. To-day is Bennington's opportunity, her privilege, 
her gala-day. Like her ladies she is clothed in all the colors of 
beauty. At her humble board she is happy in entertaining the true 
nobility of the land, from the peasant to the President. For the 
second time in her history, she is proud to welcome the Chief Magis- 
trate of the Nation, who has been ' so clear in his great office,' as 



THE BANQ UET EXER CISE8. 123 

also all these Governors, and Generals, and high dignitaries from all 
the professions, around about me. She is glad to have heard over 
again, from so many friendly lips, the old, old story that is ever 
young, — the story of her heroic youth, of the sterling and stalwart 
virtues of her early manhood, of the crowning glories of the first 
century of Vermont's Statehood. As the motto on yonder arch 
says : ' The best legacy of Vermont's first century, is her sons and 
her daughters.' And after listening to all this partial speech, you 
will forgive the little Commonwealth for believing herself, to-day, 
richer in all the essentials of true wealth, than the fabled garden of 
the Hesperides ; and Bennington, you will pardon, after having 
returned her thanks and extended a cordial invitation to all to come 
to our future Centennials, if* to-night she falls asleep dreaming 
herself, in all the elements of true beauty with her hills and her 
valleys of the Battenkill and the Walloomsac, as fairer than the 
classic vale of Tempe." 

The next speaker w^as ex-Governor Rice of ^Massachusetts. In 
introducing him President Veazey alluded to the fact of Governor 
Eice having been the Governor of Massachusetts at the celebration 
of the hundredth anniversary of the Battle of Bennington, which he 
attended at Bennington, and also as having been a Director of the 
Battle Monument Association for many years, and the sincere and 
devoted friend of the project of erecting the Monument, which had 
that day been dedicated. He spoke as follows : 
Ex-GovERNOR Rice's Address. — 

Mr. President^ Ladies and Gentlemen. — The utterance of an 
apology is not likely to be altogether acceptable to a festive audi- 
ence like this ; yet it is only due to myself to saj^ that any estimate 
of my own importance did not bring me within the possible scope of 
those who would be invited to address you to-day. On the contrary, 
such is my present state of health, that I should not have been per- 
mitted to come here had my physician been on this side of the 
Atlantic. In his absence I have yielded to my own predisposition 
and to the cordial invitation and proffered hospitality of some of 
your worthiest citizens to participate, so far as I could, in the 
splendid demonstration which attends the celebration of this great 
anniversary and the completion of this magnificent Monument. 

Were men gifted with tenacious memories and endowed with 
perpetual life, there would be little or no need of monuments to 
commemorate notable events ; but ioasmuch as they are not, and as 
posterity needs the emphasis and inspiration of their forefathers as 
stimulants to ambition and patriotism, monumental and heroic 
structures have, in the ages, been found most conducive to these 



124 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

ends : and you have erected one upon these green hills, which, I am 
sure, will never be among the insignificant. 

There is a martial association about this anniversary which is 
highly exhilerating ; not that we in the abstract delight in war. I 
do not believe that is the sentiment of the people of highly civilized 
nations. We admire individual bravery and self-possession and 
courage ; but with the present terribly destructive implements, war 
is not only pitifully destructive of life, but it has become almost as 
much a matter of engineering and skill in manoeuvre, as of courage. 
I greatly admire the heroism of the officers and men of our late war, 
and heartily join in all the gratitude that is felt toward Grant and 
Sherman and Harrison and Veazey and Webb and their illustrious 
compeers, and toward the heroic men of the rank and file, and I 
would forever perpetuate their memory ; but, at the same time, I 
hope we have seen the last of war in this country ; and henceforth 
that the brains and heart of our Republic will exhaust every means, 
in the reach of diplomacy, before there is another appeal to arms for 
the settlement either of National or International disputes. 

It is sometimes asked what New England, with a cold climate 
and comparative sterility of soil, can produce ? and the reply, after 
enumerating, " ice, codfish, and timber," has sometimes added 
" Men." Well, when I saw the Honorable Secretary of War 
Proctor rise — honored, not only in his office, but in his life and his 
nativity, and saw that his head went up rather naturally, I suppose, 
into the folds of our National flag which decorates the border-top 
of this tent, I was reminded of a story once told me by the late 
lion. Mr. Plunkett, of Adams, Massachusetts, a descendant, no 
doubt, of the heroic men who came from Western Massachusetts to 
the aid of Bennington in the hours which we now commemorate — 
and who said that his business often called him to journey among 
the hill- towns of Berkshire, before the hotel accommodations were 
as ample or as sumptuous as yours appear to be. Well, Mr. 
Plunkett was a man of extraordinary height, very tall, and some- 
times was obliged to make as many self-denials as does a public 
functionary in our day : and one day, as he told me, he had a very 
long ride and arrived at a mountain tavern late at night, tired and 
very cold. To his application for accommodations for the night, the 
landlord told him there was not an unoccupied bed in the house, 
and he could only provide for him by putting him into bed with 
another man. There was no choice and Mr. Plunkett consented to 
that arrangement and was duly shown to a chamber with one bed, 
and that already occupied by a stranger. The landlord bade him 
" good night " and left, when Plunkett began to undress and prepare 




^-^t^'. 



THE BAXq UET EXEli CISES. 125 

to retire, ^yhen about ready, as he supposed, he stripped down the 
bed clothes, but soraetliing- delayed his immediate getting into bed, 
and the drowsy occupant, feeling the chill air and the cold limbs of 
the new-comer, called oat to him. sa^^ing, " For goodness sake, how 
much more is there of you to come '? "" Well, you observe that the 
fellow in bed did not object to the Green Mountain boy who was 
getting in, but only wanted to know hoic much more there icas of him 
to corae. The Honorable Secretary of War has signified his desire 
to retire from his high office : and the eyes of the country are 
already upon several prominent Vermonters, some one of whom 
may be his successor ; and the only public curiosity seems to be as to 
hov: much more of such Vermont material there is to come? 

You have already heard from the the youthful and eloquent 
Governor of Massachusetts, who has expressed in fitting terms the 
cordial salutations of •' The Old Bay State," in which I fully concur. 
I am older than he is, but the unthinking would greatly err if they 
hastily concluded that I had any acquaintance, whatever, with our 
great ancestor, Adam. I desire, however, to speak respectfully of 
Adam as the head of our family, though, according to accounts, he 
did not behave altogether gallantly toward the trustful and intimi- 
dated Eve. Adam's opportunities for observation were great and 
he had the Wisest of Teachers. Our Governor of Massachusetts 
resides at the seat of one of our great American Universities, yet 
he said nothing of any classical traditions concerning Adam : and I, 
myself, reside in the immediate vicinity of some of our greatest 
libraries, and yet I have nowhere met with any of the literary 
works of Adam. If he ever wrote about anything, there is no 
doubt it was about the charms of the Garden of Eden. Well, I 
have looked out at sunrise, at noon, and at sunset, upon this beauti- 
ful landscape of Bennington and vicinity, bathed in the full glory of 
Summer and the fresh blushes of Autumn, and giving out the air of 
enchantment over its hills and valleys ; and I have been forced to 
the conclusion that if Adam were now to attempt a description of 
the beauties and glories of Eden, any Vermonter familiar with these 
scenes, could •• give him points '' all the time. Probably the Garden 
of Eden had some handsome plants and posies, and blossoming 
shrubs, and we applaud the antique taste that could admire them ; 
but what were they compared to the products of the soil of Ben- 
nington, which appears to have made these bare poles (temporarily 
stuck into it to uphold this tent), to burst out in festoons of radiant 
and sweet-scented flowers? 

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen, I shall henceforth ever 
strive with you to cherish, in grateful remembrance, those heroes of 



126 DEDIGATIOlSf AND CENTENNIAL, 

Bennington whose bravery bequeathed to us this charming Centen- 
nial anniversary ! 

Colonel Albert Clarke of Boston, Secretary of the Home Market 
Club, was next introduced to speak for Yermonters outside of the 
State ; " The Greater Vermont " : 
Colonel Clarke's Response. — 

Colonel Clarke said he was confident that every non-resident 
Yermonter, who was here, had, to-day, enjoyed a substantial addition 
to his already large stock of pride in his native State. He had seen 
two monuments, — the majestic shaft which commemorated 
the valor of our ancestors in a decisive battle, and a populace which 
exemplified the glory of the institutions which the fathers founded. 
Among all the thousands he had not seen a single ill-clad or misbe- 
haved person, nor one who appeared to have partaken of intoxicating 
liquors. The people and the village presented evidences of the 
great and general beneficence of our political, industrial and social 
system. He had that morning visited a factory, which, though not 
running on account of the holiday, showed, with others in the vil- 
lage, an opportunity for popular thrift which dates back and bears 
relation to the struggle of our fathers, and to their wisdom in secur- 
ing both the political and industrial independence of this country. 
The Monument on yonder hill will stand unguarded. It is finished, 
and it represents a completed event. But the laws and institutions, 
under which the people enjoy prosperity and happiness, equalled by 
no others in the world, need to be guarded every hour. They are 
always menaced by aggressive interests from without, and endan- 
gered by false teachings and insidious inflaences within. Let the 
visible monument be a constant reminder of the invisible spirit of 
patriotism, political equality, and social progress which formed the 
great purpose of the Revolutionary heroes, and which must equally 
animate the people of to-day and to-morrow, or the time will come 
when the complexion of the multitude will change, and instead of 
well-dressed throngs of strength and beauty, and peace and order, 
there will be processions clamoring for bread, or raising the " red 
flag of anarchy." Both the visible and the invisible are and must 
remain National, — not sectional, nor cosmopolitan, but American. 
The true Yermonter, though proud of his native State wherever he 
goes, and turning to her always the eye of confidence and affection, 
is yet not clannish nor provincial. Those who were born here, but 
are not so fortunate as to live here, have been cordially greeted and 
hospitably entertained in all the other States. Not only has their 
nativity been a passport, but their habits of industry, enterprise, 
economy, sobriety, and the moral and religious training which have 



THE BANQ UET EXER CISES. 127 

ever been the crowing glory of the inhabitants of the lovely valleys 
and majestic hills, have often carried them to the front in the 
affairs of business, of State and of humanity. Thus Vermont is 
many times larger than her domain, and the influence of her Ben- 
ningtons is multiplied. We, her wandering sons, bring to you to-day 
our many times renewed tributes of affection and praise ; and the 
"highest possible compliment which we can pay to the States where 
we are domiciled is to say, that we left with regret this paradise of 
Vermont to go there to toil and dwell. 

Elijah B. Sherman, LL.D., of Chicago, Illinois, was, also, called 
to speak for non-resident Vermonters, and responded as follows : 
Hon. E. B. Sherman's Remarks. — 

Mr. President. — In further response to the sentiment, " The 
Greater Vermont," I bring you greeting from the great City of the 
Lakes, the magnificent situ^ of the coming World's Exposition. 
With the modesty so characteristic of a typical denizen of Chicago, 
I refuse to admit, even by implication, that there is anywhere what 
may properly be said to constitute a " Greater Vermont" than is 
found among these green hills and fertile valleys. Those who have 
gone forth to cultivate new fields, and make new conquests, can 
rightfully assume no superiority over those who remain in the 
ancestral homes. We are brothers, and alike rejoice in the peer- 
less grandeur, sincerity and simplicity of character of those who 
founded this unique commonwealth. Absolute freedom and 
equality were the Alpha and Omega of their politics, religion and 
social habits. Sturdy independence marked their speech, conduct, 
and opinions. Wresting a scanty livelihood from the sterile soil ; 
strangers to luxury, despising effeminacy and ease ; obedient to law 
because they made it ; truthful and frank almost to rudeness ; 
scorning suavity of speech and the formulas of refined society, as 
essentially insincere and hypocritical; economical almost to par- 
simony, and yet generous almost to a fault; courageous, honest, 
persistent, patriotic. God-fearing men, they laid the foundations of 
a State as grand, as enduring, as picturesque as its mountains and 
crags, as pure as the waters gushing from its thousand springs, as 
beautiful as the hues of its Autumnal forests. They laid broad and 
deep its foundations in public and private virtue. The town meeting, 
the school house, the college, and the church, were its corner- 
stones. There was an universal recognition of duty, obligation and 
self-sacrifice which made of unlettered men and women, uncon- 
scious heroes, for true heroism often finds its most congenial soil 
and noblest growth among the common people. 

From the narrow confines of this commonwealth, for more than 



128 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

half a century, there has been an exodus of vigorous and powerful 
men. Their feet have trod every zone, they have explored every 
clime, they have traded in every mart. They have filled every place 
of pov^er and authority ; their influence is felt in every employment 
and every profession. In the Excutive mansion, in lea^islative halls ; 
in college, seminary and professional school ; at the bar and on the 
bench ; controlling the country and the metropolitan press, every- 
where you find some Vermonter bearing cheerfully the public 
burden, discharging well his duty — and, looking out for himself. 

As for myself, I am not one of those who believe that our dear 
old State has degenerated ; that "abandoned farms" constitute any 
considerable part of her ancient heritage ; that her soil is impover- 
ished ; her schools and academies going to decay, or her sons wanting 
in energy, ambition and thrift. In all the essentials which constitute 
a State, in the best and broadest sense, Vermont is ^iSW. facile princeps. 
Her citizens never possessed so much wealth, so much intelli- 
gence, so much enterprise. The State was never more potent, never 
more progressive than to-day. True, she has given freely of her 
sons and her daughters to promote the growth, welfare and pros- 
perity of every State, and every city of the great and growing West, 
but in this she has only verified the truth of the ancient apothegm : 
" There is that scattereth and yet increaseth." To us she gave some- 
thing more valuable than classic lore or scientific knowledge, — the 
memories that cluster around the homes where honor, and man- 
hood, and thrift were in the very air we breathed. 

And wherever the Vermonter goes, whatever be his lot, his 
heart ever turns to the home of his childhood, and his memory 
lingers lovingly around that most hallowed spot. For him there is 
no scenery so enchanting, no verdure so pleasing, no skies over- 
arching so grandly, or bending so gently down, no Autumn tints so 
beautiful, no air so pure and bracing, no water so clear and spar- 
kling, no song of birds so sweet, no flowers so fragrant as those of 
the dear old place where he w^as born. Memory's rigid lines are 
softened, and her pictures touched with pensive beauty, when 
imagination waves her matchless wand about us and casts around 
our earlier years the radiance that first streamed over Eden. 

I bring you a cordial invitation to the World's Columbian 
Exposition, doubtless to be the greatest convocation of peoples the 
world has ever seen. Upon the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, 
in the most marvellous city of ancient or modern times, will be wit- 
nessed the grandest display upon which the sun has ever looked 
down. Thither the nations of the earth will bring the fruitage of 
their varying civilizations, whether manifest in material form, or in 



THE BANQ UET EXER CISES. 129 

the higher, broader, grander field of intellectual activity. Art, 
science, invention and philanthropy will marshal their phalanxes in 
resplendent array, and the disciples Brahriia, Buddha, Confucius, 
and Christ will join in friendly discussion of those mighty problems, 
which, through all the ages, have stirred to its profoundest depth 
every thoughtful and sensitive soul. In this magnificent, intellectual 
and moral symposium Vermont should bear an honorable part. 

The next speaker was Major Charles H. Bartlett, Commander 
of the Amoskeag Veterans, which organization was present on this 
occasion, as it had been at the Centennial Celebration of the Battle 
of Bennington in 1877. He said : 
Major Bartlett's Address. — 

Mr. President., Ladies and Gentlemen. — I appreciate, I trust, 
the honor and the compliment involved in this invitation to address 
so distinguished an assemblage, upon an occasion so rich in historic 
association and fruitful of patriotic inspiration and suggestion. 

I recognize the fact, however, that I am wholly indebted for 
this distinction to the circumstance of my ofiicial relation to that 
military organization, whose fame, I may be permitted to say, was 
here before it, and whose presence, not only upon this, but upon a 
former occasion of kindred significance, attests, I trust, its deep and 
profound interest in the grand historic event commemorated, as also 
that it is not wholly wanting in that National and liberty-loving 
spirit whose altar-fires can never cease to glow within the shadow 
of the Bennington Monument. 

I should do great violence to my own feelings, no less than to 
the manifest proprieties of the occasion, did I fail to embrace this 
opportunity to tender to the authorities, having in charge this day's 
magnificent demonstration, the profound acknowledgments of the 
Amoskeag Veterans for the honor and consideration shown them in 
their assignment to that honorable and conspicuous post of duty 
which they have attempted to fill. 

They come from the home of Stark, from the hills and the 
river valleys where his many days were numbered, and where his 
ashes sleep in a patriot's honored grave ; and they seek, in their 
humble way, to perpetuate something of the custom of his time and 
to keep fresh and green, in the land of his descendants, the memory 
of the sacrifices, the achievements and the patriotism, of the heroes 
of the Revolutionary era. 

The Vermont to which we come to-day, bears little resemblance 
to that Vermont to which our ancestors came to join with yours in 
striking so telling a blow for liberty and independence a century and 
odd years ago. The State was not here then, and it was a warmly 



130 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

and stubbornly debated question whether what was then designated 
by the name, now so honored and widely famed, belonged to New 
Hampshire, to Massachusetts, to New York, or really belonged to 
herself. But the germ of a noble statehood was here, and its 
development was so rapid, and aggressive, that her ambitious 
neighbors soon came, not only to recognize, but to respect her 
individuality, as well as her identity. 

But I confess, that I have always felt no little apprehension as 
to what might ultimately be the fate of Vermont, in the final dis- 
tribution of the glories of the Battle of Bennington. New York, in 
one of her affectionate moods, long ago, threw her stalwart arm 
around the old battle ground, and, with touching complacency, 
tenderly drew it to her maternal bosom. 

New Hampshire and Massachusetts claim to have done, sub- 
stantially, all the fighting, although we do generously concede that a 
man by the name of Warner, Seth, I believe, and some of his neigh- 
bors, did call around late, and help " rake after." (Great laughter.) 

And, in the same generous spirit, 1 believe that Vermont admits 
that General Stark, and some of his friends were there and did some 
business in their line in that vicinity. (Laughter and applause.) 
She also admits, I suppose, that the old fighting parson of the 
Berkshire hills, Thomas Allen, was there, and who got as near to 
Heaven as a forest stump would take him, and devoutly prayed for 
the conversion and salvation of the souls of his Tory neighbors, who 
were concealed behind the British breastworks before him ; and 
then, without giving the Lord an opportunity to consider his benev- 
olent petition, seized his trusty old flint-lock and blazed away at 
them, thus showing his sublime faith that the Great Master whom 
he served, could operate on a dead Tory just as well as upon a live 
one. (Great applause and laughter.) 

But the mills of the gods, which grind so slowly and so exceed- 
ingly small, have clarified the atmosphere, at the end of a century, 
and things doubtful are made certain, and the obscure is made 
plain, and, lo, and behold ! Vermont has the Monument ! And I 
trust there is enough left of the doctrine of " State rights " to euable 
her to keep it, henceforth and forever. 

In conclusion, let me say, that we most cheerfully concede that 
the fame, the renown and the glory of Vermont rests upon no such 
uncertain and insecure tenure as her participation in any one ancient 
conflict of arms, whatever its magnitude or significance. 

Wherever, or whenever, in this land of our fathers, Liberty, 
National independence or National unity have needed a defender, 
Vermont has been there. Her dead sleep in the trenches of all her 




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THE BANQ UET EXEli CISES. 131 

country's battlefields. She has always stood for purity and honesty 
in the government. Her hands are clean, her robes are white. The 
breath of scandal has never come to her nor hers. Her statesman- 
ship has exalted high places. It has added strength to Cabinets ; 
it has made Senates famous. 

Her school houses pour their swelling volume of recruits into 
the ranks of every trade, industry and profession, equally and alike. 
The educated and cultured brain goes with the busy, frugal hand of 
honest toil everywhere within her borders. Mechanical and manu- 
facturing skill and industry hover around her very water-falls, and 
harness the elements in their service. An abounding harvest 
smiles, not alone on field, and plain, and river valley, but proudly 
waves its tinselled plume to the Harvest Moon, high up on her 
mountain slopes. Her homes are the abodes of happiness, of plenty, 
of culture, of refinement, of purity and virtue, and every domestic 
felicity. 

God bless the first-born of the Federal Union, the Old Green 
3Iountain State. 

The last speaker was the Hon. Edwin S. Barrett, of Concord, 
Mass., President of the Massachusetts Society of the Sons of the 
American Revolution, who spoke briefly, extending the greetings of 
that organization, and paying a handsome tribute to the ancestry its 
members represent, as follows : 
Mr. Barrett's Remarks. — 

Mr. President. — The Societies of the Sons of the i^merican 
Revolution extend a cordial and hearty salutation on this notable 
and interesting occasion. 

Gathered from far and wide, these descendants of Revolutionary 
ancestors have made this loving pilgrimage to join in the dedication 
of this noble Monument. 

In the ranks of our Massachusetts Society, are two * Sons, 
whose fathers fought at Bennington, and, doubtless, there are others 
here to-day who came to look upon the spot where their fathers 
battled for Liberty. 

May these monuments rise on emry battlefield of the Revolution. 
Lexington-Green, Concord-Bridge, — " Where the shot was fired 
heard round the world," — and Bunker Hill, have already appropriate 
shafts as rcLnembrances of the battles on Massachusetts' soil ; and 
may the good work go on, until all the memorable spots, made 
famous by the American Revolution, shall have fitting and lasting 
emblems of that great struggle for human liberty and the rights of 
man, and stand as beacon-lights, for all the oppressed, to the last 
syllable of recorded time. 

*JoliQ McClure, of Revere, Mass., and Joseph Hill, of Hyde Park, Mass. 



132 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL 

The other speakers on the list were United States Senators 
Chandler, and Gallinger, of New Hampshire; and Edmunds, and 
Morrill, of Vermont; also, Hon. J. B. Erhardt, andL. E. Chittenden, 
of New York ; ex-Governor Stewart, and Judge H. H. Powers, of 
Vermont ; Colonel A. F. Walker, of Chicago ; Colonel H. W. Bruce, 
President of the Kentucky Sons of the American Revolution, but 
they were obliged to decline owing to the lateness of the hour. The 
speaking closed at 7.30 o'clock, P. M. President Harrison left the 
table before the postprandial was over, and was driven directly to 
General McCullough's. He was too fatigued to hold the reception, 
planned for the evening, in the parlors of the Soldiers' Home, so that 
the impromptu presentation of a few prominent guests and people 
just before the banquet (during a pause), had to suffice for the more 
extended reception referred to. 

" From Avhat has been said of the Oration, and Ceremonies of 
Dedication," says a contemporary writer, " an idea may be had of 
the character and beauty of every other feature, which will 
take corresponding rank. The town was handsomely and elabor- 
ately decorated, and was gay in her patriotic attire. The weather 
was all that could be desired. The rain of the day before had set- 
tled the dust and made marching easy. The generous hospitality 
of the Bennington people was a matter of universal remark. If the 
Green Mountain Boys, with their helpers, at the close of the 16th 
day of August, 1777, could say, ' Behold Vermont, here she stands,' 
Vermonters gathered at Bennington on the 19th of the present 
month could, with pride, repeat, in the presence of their guests, the 
same truth and with equal emphasis." 







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^\a/)^cL^-^j<i/rrvt^ 



PART II. 



Proceedings at Headquarters During the Bennington Centennial ; 
Sunday in " Camp Yermont^^ and in the Town during the Six- 
teenth ; The Old First Churchy and Historic Sermon by its Pastor. 
Supplementary Committees ; The Pi^esidenfs Arrival, and the Pin- 
ner at General John G. Mc CullougKs ; The Presidential Party .^ 
and Pevievj of the Grand Procession ; The " Guard of Honor ' '/ 
Prominent People at the Banquet. Auxiliary Events, and Docu- 
mentary History. The Guests of Vermont, with an Account of the 
Special Trains Conveying the Visitors to Pennington, and Return. 



CHAPTER I. 

Government Headquarters, and Centennial Sunday. 

Introductory. — The Editor of this volume thought best, as 
stated in the " Preface," to divide this work into an " Introduction," 
Parts I., and II., and an Appendix, so that the reader of the body- 
thereof should not be obliged to peruse a mass of detail with the 
account of the ceremonies of dedication. Therefore, the story, in 
extenso, has been reserved for this Part of the History. The Editor 
has had the able assistance of the Adjutant-General in making up 
the records that comprise the first three Chapters ; and has, also, 
availed himself of the work of others in many important particulars 
of subsequent Chapters, and the Appendix following. 

Headquarters Established. — Brigadier-General William H. 
Gilmore, Quartermaster-General of Vermont, proceeded to Benning- 
ton on Wednesday, August 12, 1891, with Captain Edward N. 
Wright, Military Store-Keeper, and the camp equipage of the 
National Guard of Vermont. 

On the evening of August 15th (Saturday), his Excellency, 
Carroll S. Page, the Governor and Commander-in-Chief; Brigadier- 
General Theodore S. Peck, Adjutant and Inspector-General ; 
Brigadier-General Frank E. Alfred, Judge Advocate-General; 
Brigadier- General Jacob C. Rutherford, S urgeon- General ; Colonel 
Herbert F. Brigham, A. D. C. ; Colonel William H. H. Slack, A. D. 
C. ; Colonel Myron J. Horton, A. D. C. ; Colonel Lyman F. Abbott, 
A. D. C. ; Colonel Henry R. Cutler, A. D. C. ; and Captain Herbert 
S. Foster, 20th Infantry, U. S. A., Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen- 



134 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

eral, arrived, the Governor using the parlors of the Soldiers' Home 
for his headquarters, and the Staff occupying the tents near by. 
The Governor's flag was raised the next morning, and the cannon 
captured from Colonel Baum on the 16th day of August, 1777, were 
located in front of these Headquarters. 

Centennial Sunday. — On Sunday morning, August 16th, upon 
invitation of Wilham E. Hawks, Esq., of Bennington, His Excel- 
lency and Staff attended the Second Congregational Church, the 
Kev. Charles R. Seymour preaching an historic sermon. 

At three o'clock in the afternoon the Rev. Howard F. Hill, 
Regimental Chaplain of the First Regiment, conducted Divine ser- 
vice on the circle in front of the Soldiers' Home, his subject being: 
" The triple value of a man, i. e., his uses for himself, for others and 
for God." Music was furnished by a male quartette, assisted by 
the First Regiment Band. The Governor of Vermont and distin- 
guished guests were present. 

Later, a union service was held, at the Old First Church at Ben- 
nington Centre, which was attended by Governor Page, and many 
prominent military visitors from abroad. As the church was the 
one institution, above all others, that gave strength and moral tone 
to the fathers, and inspired them with heroism and self-sacrifice for 
their great achievement, it was fitting that the dedication of a 
monument to their glory should begin with a commemorative ser- 
vice in the house of God. Especially was this an appropriate 
beginning because they prefaced their work of battle with a religious 
service in their accustomed place of prayer, the Old First Church of 
the illustration. The present edifice stands a little to the the East 
of the site of the first building, and was built early in the century, 
the great revival of 1803 giving the movement a great impulse. 

The interior, on this occasion, was decorated, and the galleries 
decked with the flags of all Nations and patriotic emblems. Above 
the pulpit hung a large and beautiful silk flag, for many years 
owned by Thomas Chittenden, Governor of Vermont from 1778 to 
1797, except for the year 1789, when, there being no choice by the 
people, Moses Robinson was elected Governor by the Legislature. 
The flag's ground-work is of white silk, with a life-sized Eagle on 
one side and a ITnion shield on the other. The pulpit was decorated 
with a Continental flag of 1775, and the first State flag adopted by 
Vermont. These two flags are the property of the Vermont Society 
Sons of the American Revolution, and were loaned by that Society 
for the occasion. The old Continental flag was used by Washing- 
ton early in the Revolutionary War, and has seven red and six 
white stripes, designating the Thirteen Original States, and a blue 










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THE A UXILIAR T E VENTS. 135 

field, with the crosses of St. Andrew and St. George. The Vermont 
flag has seven red and six white stripes, and a blue field, with a 
single white star, representing the Independent State of Vermont. 

The services included an invocation by the Rev. C. IT. Peck ^ 
reading of Scripture by the Rev. A. S. Gilbert, and a prayer by the 
Rev. Z. Marten, — the historical sermon being by the pastor, the 
Rev. M. L. Severance, who took for his text Psalms xxx., verse 12 : 
" Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord, and the people whom 
he hath chosen for his own inheritance." It was a discourse full of 
determined thought, and contained much that was of historical 
interest. The singing was by the regular church choir. 

Historic and Memorial Sermon. — The following is a very 
full abstract of the discourse : - We have truly a goodly heritage. 
For some wise and consistent reason God has blessed this great 
Nation, and given her a name and prestige among the other nations 
of the earth. All this concentration of wealth and power was 
began under Christian light, and has been carried forward by 
Divine guidance. 

The hand of God was over the little band that in 1620 sailed 
from the harbor of Delft-Haven, under the leadership of such men 
as Robinson, and Brewster, and John Carver, to plant a colony on 
the barren shores of a far-off land, that was destined, under God, to 
change the civilization and government of the world. 

There was no chance in the whole movement. The Divine plan 
is seen in its inception, as well as in its progression and final execu- 
tion. What a sifting God gave the few, who first promised to go, 
before he sent them forth on their perilous undertaking. The 
cowardly and false-hearted were sent back to their starting place, 
and only those who had nerve and toughened sinews wrought into 
their character dared a voyage over the trackless sea. There was a 
providence in the stern necessity that drove them out of their 
father-land, providence in the bribery and treachery that led them 
to the most inhospitable of the New England shores. It was 
through just this oppression and hardship that they were trained 
and imbued with those great and divine principles, which pre- 
eminently fitted them to be the founders of Government, and the 
pioneers of Empire. 

But it takes more than oppression to make men. Thousands 
upon thousands were under the yoke of oppression, when the May- 
flower and the Speedwell sailed out of port, who never rose to the 
dignity of men. Europe and Asia are teeming, to-day, with servile 
minds, only made more servile by the yokes put upon them. 

The highest type of character is attained only by men who have 
just views of God. Those who rule God out of their thoughts and 
out of their lives, can never be imbued with the highest sense of 
justice, can never rise to the highest conception of human freedom. 

The Puritans were men who made a place for God in their 
thoughts, in their creeds, and in their lives, and God made a place 
for them in his universe. They trusted in God and went forward, 
and the Divine Logos led them, with an outstretched hand, out of 



136 BEDICATIOJSr AN'JD CENTENNIAL. 

bondage and over the sea. Those were no ordinary men that 
lengthened their cords, and drove their stakes on this continent, 
and laid the foundations for American civilization, and greatness. 

They made history, when they acted, and wrote it down, with 
pens dipped in blood. 

To-day is the 114th anniversary of the battle of Bennington. I 
do not need to refresh your memories with the incidents of this 
bloody conflict. They are already fresh in all our minds. We have 
been enjoying the victory, for over a century, which our fathers 
achieved for us, and the record of their valiant deeds is familiar to 
every household. 

The whole country was under a cloud. The reverses of our 
arms had dispirited the soldiery, and the out-look was depressing 
to our stout-hearted commanders. Burgoyne with a large force had 
come in upon us from the North, aijd had easily triumphed over all 
opposition, and was pressing his way on, successfully, to form a 
junction with General Howe, at New York. The evacuation of 
Fort Ticonderoga, was soon followed by the disaster at Hubbardton, 
and Bennington seemed an easy prize to the victor, now halting for 
supplies at Saratoga. A strong detachment was sent under Colonel 
Baum to take the provisions, and other military stores, which were 
held at Bennington. Confident of success, the British general 
quietly awaited, with his main army at Saratoga, the bringing of 
the expected supplies. But the distinguished Briton had reckoned 
for once without his host. He did not know the temper of the steel 
that he was to encounter. The battle fought was one of the most 
persistent in the Revolution, as well as one of the most important. 
It takes rank as one of the seventeen great battles of the* world, 
not because of the numbers engaged, but because of its influence in 
determining the issues of the Avar. 

When the smoke of this battlefield cleared away, the sun rose 
with an assured healing in his beams. From the day of the battle 
of Bennington, our American Freedom was a foregone conclusion. 
The battle of Saratoga, and the capture of Burgoyne were made 
certain when our sires conquered Colonel Baum, with his following 
of Indians and Tories. 'J'he prestige of the hitherto conquering 
army was broken, by this one well-directed blow. The spirit of 
patriotism kindles in our hearts, to-day, as the imagination weaves 
her fancies around the memories and heroic deeds which our fathers 
bequeathed to us. We have a right to rejoice, and glory in their 
work. Many of us are their direct descendants. We have heard 
the story from their own lips. My own great-grandfather was act- 
ing-captain in the battle, and two of his sons served under him. 
We are not ashamed of the ancestral prowess that could rush upon 
the enemy's guns and wrest them from their gunners ; that could 
charge the enemiy within his intrenchments and drive him from 
them ; that could rally fro*m the fatigue and plunder of one battle to 
renew the fight, and win a victory in a second. 

These were exceptional men that fought our battles for us, and 
we do well to commemorate their virtues and deeds of valor. 

The nations of the old world put into the most attractive and 
imperishable form the important facts in their national history. 







Q^aye^ 



THE A UXILIAR T E VENTS. 137 

Trajan's Column in Rome, tells the story of his wars, to-day, after 
almost twenty centuries, as no page in history is telling it. The 
Vendome in Paris is lifting up the exploits of Napoleon the First, 
even after his empire is fallen, to the gaze of admiring beholders. 
The histories of Florence and Venice are, in their great art-galleries, 
on canvas and in marble, the attractions of the world to-day. 
England could read her history in monuments, and commemorating 
buildings, in statuary and painting, on her miles of historic canvas 
in public halls, and museums, and galleries of art, if the works of 
her Macaulay, and Knight, and Froude should all be blotted out. 
Our Nation has not done enough hitherto in this direction. She is 
too deficient in her historical paintings and historical works of art. 
She has neglected quite too long these emblematic symbols that are 
read at a glance of the eye. This battle has lain over a hundred 
years without its memorial shaft, but at last it has found a fitting 
monument to bespeak its greatness. 

I am not sure but we all ought to be glad of the delay, for in 
all these years its great conception has been maturing. For well 
nigh a half century a few earnest and loyal hearts have been watch- 
ing its inception, and planning for its consummation. At last we 
have completed the highest single-shaft battle monument in the 
world. There it stands on yonder hill to tell its grand historic 
truths to the latest generations. It stands in beauty without a 
peer. Like the works of the old masters, the Parthenon at Athens, 
or the Cathedral at Pisa, every line is a line of beauty that is 
wrought into it, and, like every true work of art, it grows upon you 
the oftener you see it, and the longer you study its graceful 
proportions. 

But we must not think that these great results in conquest and 
power, have been reached without the aid of the Church. The great 
formative influence, in moulding the character of the people and 
giving stability and worth, has been the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

The town was first settled by a Godly people. Those were no 
ordinary men who, in 1761, planted the first colony in Bennington. 
Having by purchase become proprietors of the soil, almost their first 
work was to make provision for the building of a meeting house, and 
the next year their church was organized. The whole town was 
deeply interested in all that pertained to the religious welfare of the 
community. Every man's property was laid under contribution to 
support the preaching of the gospel. Their action in town meeting, 
as evinced by their early records, shows as much care of the church 
as of their secular interests, even to the decorum to be maintained 
in the hoars of worship. The church touched every interest of the 
people. Its house of worship was the common property of all, 
and it was used for all worthy purposes. On week-days the 
children gathered in an upper room for their education. On the 
Sabbath their fathers and mothers came with them for worship and 
spiritual instruction. Here convened the Legislature, and after the 
battle here were confined the prisoners that had surrendered in 
the contest. 

Who can tell the influence of this first church organized 
within the limits of the State, before any form of government was 



138 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

established over the territory ? How much this Cora mon wealth is 
indebted to this Institution of God? 

It is the mother of seven churches, while it is doubtless the 
grandmother of twice as many more. What threads of gold these 
seven churches, and their descendants have wrought into the robe 
of State ! How much real, genuine character they have dyed in the 
wool, none can tell. They have kept the religious heart beating, 
and the spiritual fires burning. When the old church has swarmed, 
the off-shoot has not always found a Congregational hive to abide 
in. But what matters it, so long as they all hold up Christ as the 
Saviour of the world? and so long as they love one another, serving 
the same Master? These churches have helped to rear the men 
that have given honor to the Nation. The Old Green Mountain 
State has filled up her quota of men grandly, in every department of 
industry, of government and of knowledge, and her churches are 
what have made her men. We look out upon society, organized on 
a Christian basis. The church has solved many of the puzzling 
problems of the past, and it is her mission still to guard the morals 
of the future. She moulds men, and then men mould the life of 
the world. 

But I must forbear to speak as I would, to-day : 

'• I hear the muffled tramp of years, 
Come stealing up the slope of time, 
They bear a train of smiles and teai'S, 
Of burning hopes and dreams sublime," 

The past is seen, the future must be prophesied. But prophecy has 
its roots in the past. The things we have seen done, as we scan 
the pages of history, give promise of the things that shall be done. 
We are progressing toward universal freedom. The mind, as well 
as the body is breaking its shackles. Social questions and moral 
questions will eventually find their solution. 

In reality the Church of Christ must sound the key-note of all 
true reforms. For eighteen hundred years she has done it, and to 
this glorious end she is leading the world to-day. 

The Sabbath before our Fathers went forth to battle they 
gathered in their church edifice to listen to a war sermon from their 
pastor. They took their cause to the God of Battle, and he heard 
their cry and gave them the victory. We do not know the 
preacher's text. We can easily imagine that he chose the words of 
Moses, to be spoken by the priests to ancient Israel, when about to 
go out to battle : " Hear O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle 
against your enemies : let not your heart faint ; fear not and do not 
tremble,"neither be ye terrified because of them ; for the Lord your 
God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your 
enemies." 

They certainly fought as if under the inspiration of such words, 
and victory crowned their faith and works, which in true Apostolic 
fashion went together. 

If the walls of the old church could speak to-day, what tales 
they would tell ! But alas, the old edifice has disappeared, and the 
men that worshiped in it are gone. Their forms have passed 
silently, one by one, into the old church-yard and lie at rest.. But 
their strong personality is still with us. " We feel the presence of 



THE A UXILIAR Y E VENT 8. 139 

an invisible host, whose quiet dignity and matchless grace, whose 
robust manhood and unflinching courage are the true inspiration of 
the hour. 

As we tread above their graves, and read the quaint inscrip- 
tions, over which the mosses of a century have grown, we seem to 
hear, in a kind of solemn under-tone, an exhortation to be faithful to 
the trusts they have committed to us. Grander than the mountains 
that encircle us, higher than the Monument that towers above us, 
more enduring than the everlasting hills is the Church of Christ : 
"Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord, and the people 
whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance." 

This service, held in this historic and grand old building, car- 
ried with it a most patriotic and reverent feeling ; for, if one could 
ever love his country and be proud of his native land, these services, 
in this place and at this time, representing the Centennial of one of 
the decisive battles of the Revolutionary War, must have had their 
effect for patriotism and love of country. 



CHAPTER 11. 

Introductory and Incidental Events. 

Monday morning, August 17th, all was bustle and work at the 
headquarters of the Governor of Vermont, the several committees 
reporting to His Excellency, and the assignment of new committees 
made. Distinguished guests were rapidly coming in from all parts 
of the country ; and the issuing of invitations to the banquet and 
grand reviewing stand, for these guests, were in charge of Colonels 
Slack, Horton, Abbott and Cutler, Aides-de Camp- on Governor 
Page's Staff; while Colonel Brigham, Senior Aide, received all 
visitors at the Governor's tent, and Colonel Wm. Seward Webb was 
detailed as Special Aide to escort the President of the United States. 
Captain H. S. Foster, U. S. A., had charge of the headquarters of 
the Adjutant-General of Vermont. 

Quartermaster-General Gilmore was engaged in looking after 
the welfare of the troops and those constantly arriving ; Surgeon- 
General Rutherford having charge of the hospital and sanitary 
department, in which he was ably assisted by Surgeon Jenne, 
Assistant-Surgeons Huntington and Lee, First Regiment, N". G. V. ; 
Assistant-Surgeon Webster, Fuller Light Battery. 

All through the day distinguished gentlemen called to pay their 
respects to the Governor of Vermont. 

On Tuesday, August 18th, the visiting military commenced to 
arrive, as well as many distinguished guests, who paid their respects 
to the Governor. During the morning, the Citizens Committee, 



140 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

appointed by Governor Page, July 20th (to co-operate with, the local 
Committee at Bennington, and with the Governor and Staff to look 
after the arrival of distinguished guests from without the State and 
to see that they did not lack courteous attention), met at the Sons of 
the American Revolution headquarters, to make arrangements for 
the next day's celebration. 

This committee of distinguished gentlemen was constituted as 
follows: Hon. Geo. F. Edmunds, Hon. J. S. Morrill, Hon. J. W. 
Stewart, Hon. William W. Grout, Hon. H. Henry Powers, Hon. 
Roswell Farnham, Hon. John L. Barstow, Hon. Samuel E. Pin- 
gree, Hon. E. J. Ormsbee, Hon. Wm. P. Dillingham, Hon. Josiah 
Grout, Hon. E. H. Powell, Hon. L. O. Greene, Hon. G. G. Benedict, 
Hon. Frank Plumley, Hon. P. K. Gleed, Hon. U. A. Woodbury, 
Hon. Wm. H. DuBois, Hon. J. K. Batchelder, Hon. W. H. H. Bing- 
ham, Hon. Franklin Fairbanks, Hon. Henry Ballard, Hon. W. E. 
Johnson, Hon. B. D. Harris, Hon. F. G. Field, Hon. 'h. D. Holton, 
Hon. N. W. Fisk, General Wm. Y. W. Ripley, General J. G. McCul- 
lough. General Wm. Wells, Colonel P. W. Clement, Colonel Alfred 
A. Hall, Colonel E. C. Smith, Colonel F. D. Proctor, Colonel T. C. 
Fletcher, Colonel B. B. Smalley, Colonel T. O. Seaver, Colonel Geo. 
W. Hooker, Colonel R. J. Kimball, Colonel Z. M. Mansur, Rev. M. 
H. Buckham, Messrs. S. C. Shurtleff, Hiram Atkins, C. A. Prouty, 

C. M. Wilds, C. H. Davenport, W. W. Stickney, H. M. Arms, L. 
Bart Cross, A. J. Sibley. 

The following sub-committees were named : 

On Exercises. — Colonel Geo. W. Hooker, Brattleboro; Colonel 
R. J. Kimballj West Randolph ; ex-Governor E. J. Ormsbee, Bran- 
don ; Hon. J. K. Batchelder, Arlington ; Hon. Frank Plumley, 
Northfield. 

On Reviewing Stand. — Major-General Wm. Wells, Burlington; 
ex-Governor S. E. Pingree, Hartford ; General Thomas O. Seaver, 
Woodstock ; Colonel Z. M. Mansur, Island Pond ; Hon. P. K. Gleed, 
Morrisville. 

On Banquet. — Colonel Luther O. Greene, Woodstock; Hon. F. 
G. Field, Rutland; Hon. E. H. Powell, St. Albans; Hon. B. D. 
Harris, Brattleboro; Hon. Wm. H. DuBois, West Randolph. 

On Ladies. — Ex-Governor Roswell Farnham, Bradford; Hon. 
H. H. Powers, M. C, Morrisville ; Hon. H. M. Arms, Springfield ; 
Hon. H. D. Holton, Brattleboro; Hon. L. O. Hazen, St. Johnsbury. 

On Grand Stand. — Ex-Lieutenant-Governor U. A. Woodbury, 
Burlington ; Colonel G. W. Hooker, Brattleboro ; Colonel Fletcher 

D. Proctor, Proctor; Colonel Bradley B. Smalley, Burlington; Hon. 
L. Bart Cross, Montpeiier. 

On the arrival of the afternoon train. General Alfred and 
Colonel Abbott, of Governor Page's Staff, met Governor Tuttle of 
New Hampshire, who was attended by Major-General A. D. Ayling, 




(M'djutoAd: &£aaj^^xJI^- 



THE A UXILIAR Y E VENTS. 141 

Adjutant- General, and other members of his Staff, also distinguished 
guests, and escorted them to the quarters assigned them in town. 

At midnight General Alfred, Colonels Brigham, and Slack, met 
Governor Russell, of Massachusetts, with Major-General Samuel 
Dalton, Adjutant-General, and other members of his Staff, who 
arrived on their train, which was special, and was used by His 
Excellency, and the members of the Massachusetts delegation, 
during the Centennial Celebration. 

Arrival of The President. — Colonel Wm. Seward Webb, 
Aide-de-Camp on the Staff of the Governor of Vermont, had pro- 
ceeded to State Line to meet the President of the United States, 
and his distinguished party, and, at 8.15, a special train of cars, 
over the Fitchburg line, rolled into North Bennington station. The 
President was escorted to his carriage by General John G. McCuI- 
lough, whose guest he was to be during the Centennial Celebrati(m. 
Colonel George W. Hooker called for three cheers as he passed, 
which were given with genuine, true Vermont enthusiasm. Colonel 
Wm. Seward Webb escorted Secretary Proctor to the same car- 
riage, which was in waiting to conduct them to the residence of 
General McCullough, about a quarter of a mile distant. The Presi- 
dent, with Gen. McCullough, occupied the rear seat, and Colouel 
Webb, with Secretary Proctor, the front seat of a handsome vic- 
toria drawn by two large bay horses. 

The other carriages contained Attorney-General Miller, Hon. 
Edward J. Phelps, Russell B. Harrison, Secretary Halford, Messrs. 
Kale, Tibbitts and Loomis, General Russell A. Alger, General Whee- 
lock G. Veazey, ('olonel Aldace F. Walker, Colonel Bradley B. 
Smalley ; ex-Governor Alexander H. Rice, of Massachusetts ; Major- 
General Alexander S. Webb, of New York, and ex- Governor John 
W. Stewart, of Vermont. 

About 8.30, P. M., Governor Page, accompanied by Adjutant- 
General Theodore S. Peck, called upon Governor Tuttle at his 
quarters, and then drove to the residence of General John G. McCul- 
lough, at North Bennington, to bid The President a hearty welcome 
to the Green Mountain State, and to arrange details for the exercises 
of the following day. 

The Dinner at General McCullough's. — After the courte- 
sies of the occasion had been performed. General McCullough 
entertained the distinguished party at dinner. At 9 o'clock they 
sat down to the table. President Harrison and Mrs. McCullough 
leading the way. The hostess is a stately woman of more than 
ordinary beauty, and, in the large dining-hall where her father, the 
late Hon. Trenor W. Park, entertained so many famous people, she 



142 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

presides with gracious dignity. The dinner party, of the 18th, was- 
composed as follows : President Harrison and Mrs. McCuUough, 
Governor Page and Mrs. E. J. Phelps, Hon. E. J. Phelps and Mrs. 
General Baxter, Senator Morrill and Mrs. John King, Secretary 
Proctor and Miss McCuUough, Attorney-General Miller and Mis& 
King, Mr. John King and Miss Lewis, Doctor Wm. Seward Webb 
and Mrs. Loomis, Private Secretary Halford and Miss Ella McCul- 
lough, Adjutant-General Peck, Mr. Russell B. Harrison, Mr. Loomis 
and Mr. Charles Phelps, Mr. Hall P. McCuUough, General McCul- 
lough and Mrs. Miller. It may be of interest to state that the same 
party sat down to dinner on the evening of the 19th, supplemented, 
however, by Senator Edmunds and General Wm. Wells. 

On the 18th, also, at the same time, Mr. F. B. Jennings enter- 
tained General and Mrs. Russell A. Alger, General and Mrs. 
Wheelock G. Veazey, Colonel and Mrs. Aldace F. Walker, Colonel 
and Mrs. Bradley B. Smalley, ex-Governor Rice, of Massachusetts,. 
Major-General Alexander S. Webb, ex-Governor Stewart and others. 

The Presidextial Party, the Mounted Escort, and Guard 
OF Honor. — Early Wednesday morning, the John A. Logan Post^ 
Grand Army of the Republic, Department of Vermont (the only 
mounted Veteran Post in the United States), of Orwell, Captain 
H. G. Hibbard, commanding, marched to North Bennington, as 
special escort to President Harrison and his party, with orders to 
conduct them to the Soldiers' Home. This was performed in good 
style, the column arriving at precisely 9.45, A. M. The President's 
party was received with great cheers. After a few minutes spent in 
hand-shaking, the carriages were loaded as follows : The President 
of the United States, Governor Carroll S. Page, of Vermont, and 
Colonel William Seward Webb, Aide-de-Camp, riding in a beautiful 
victoria drawn by four white horses. 

A Guard of Honor composed of Vermont soldiers, veterans of 
of the War of the Rebellion, formed a hollow square around the 
carriage of President Harrison, and performed escort duty during 
the entire march. They were all large, stalwart men, and were 
ably commanded by Major John S. Drennan (11th Vermont Volun- 
teers), of Hardwick, Vermont. Their names are : J. S. Drennan, 
of Hardwick ; Abel E. Leavenworth, of Castleton ; Charles Gokey, of 
Northfield ; A. F. Dodge, of Barre ; Geo. P. Blair, of Barnet ; H. L. 
Barnard, of West Rutland ; C. H. Wheeler, of Irasburgh ; C. A. 
Powell, of Richford ; A. M. Haskell, of Brattleboro ; A. P. Sheldon, 
of West Rutland; D. E. Boyden, of West Townshend ; E. M. 
Haynes, of Rutland; E. W. Rolfe, of Tunbridge; H. E. Taylor, of 
Brattleboro, and J. E. Post, of Rutland. 



THE A UXILIAE T E VENTS. 143 

Second Carriage. — Ex-Governor Prescott, of New Hampshire, 
President of the Battle Monument Association ; General Wheelock 
G. Veazey, President of the Day ; ex-United States Minister Edward 
J. Phelps, Orator of the Day; Brigadier-General Theodore S. Peck, 
Adjutant-General, of Vermont. 

Third Carriage. — Hon. Redfield Proctor, Secretary of War 
the Rev. Charles Parkhurst, D.D., Chaplain of the Day ; Hon. Wil- 
liam H. H. Miller, Attornej^-General ; Brigadier- General William H. 
Gilmore, Quartermaster-General, of Vermont. 

Fourth Carriage. — Governor Hiram A. Tuttle, of New Hamp- 
shire; United States Senator J. D. Gallinger; Major-General A. D. 
Ayling, Adjutant-General, of New Hampshire. 

Fifth Carriage. — Governor William E. Russell, of Massa- 
chusetts ; Lieutenant-Governor William H. Haile ; Major-General 
Samuel Dalton, Adjutant-General, of Massachusetts. 

Sixth Carriage. — Major-General Russell A. Alger, of Michi- 
gan ; General John G. McCullough ; Hon. John King, of New York ; 
Brigadier-General Frank E. Alfred, Judge Advocate-General,, of 
Vermont. 

Seventh Carriage. — Hon. George F. Edmunds, United States 
Senator from Vermont; Hon. Justin S. Morrill, United States Sena- 
tor from Vermont ; Major-General Alex. S. Webb, of New York ; 
Brigadier-General J. C. Rutherford, Surgeon-General, of Vermont. 

Eighth Carriage. — Major-General Oliver Otis Howard, U. S. 
A. ; Brigadier-General R. N. Batchelder, U. S. A. ; Hon. George 
Grenville Benedict; Colonel Herbert F, Brigham, A. D. C, of 
Vermont. 

Ninth Carriage. — Ex-Governor John W. Stewart ; General 
William W. Grout, M. C. ; Hon. H. H. Powers, M. C. ; Colonel W. 
H. H. Slack, A. D. C, of Vermont. 

Tenth Carriage. — Ex-Governor Roswell Farnham, ex-Governor 
Ebenezer J. Ormsbee, ex-Governor Samuel E. Pingree, ex-Governor 
John L. Barstow. 

Eleventh Carriage. — Ex-Governor Greene, of New Jersey; 
Hon. L. L. Tarbell, of Boston, Mass., Registrar-General S. A. R. ; 
Hon. Henry Hall, of New York ; Major-General Wm. S. Stryker, 
Adjutant-General, of New Jersey. 

Twelfth Carriage. — Hon. William. E. Chandler, United States 
Senator from New Hampshire ; Collector A. W. Beaird, of Massa- 
chusetts ; Senator Dawes, of Massachusetts ; Colonel Myron J. 
Horton, A. D. C, of Vermont. 

Thirteenth Carriage. — Ex-Governor Alex. H. Rice, of Massa- 
chusetts ; Mr. H. Walter Webb, of New York ; Hon. E. W. Halford, 
Private Secretarj^ to President Harrison ; Colonel Lyman F. Abbott, 
A. D. C, of Vermont. 

Fourteenth Carriage. — Judge Blatchford, of the United States 
Supreme Court ; Mr. Frederick B. Jennings ; Hon. A. F. Walker ; 
Colonel Henry R. Cutler, A. D. C, of Vermont. 

Fifteenth Carriage. — Major-General William Wells, of Bur- 
lington; Major-General Joseph E. Carr, of Albany; General James 
M. Warner, of Albany ; ex- Lieutenant-Governor Urban A. Wood- 
bury, of Burlington. 



144 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

Sixteenth Carriage, — Colonel L. L. Langclon, First Artillery, 
U. S. A.; Commander E. T. Woodward, U. S. N. ; Major F. C. 
Ainsworth, Surgeon, U. S. A. ; Captain Emerson H. Liscum, 19th 
Infantry, U. S. A. 

Seventeenth Carriage. — Mr. Russell B. Harrison, of Montana; 
Lieutenant Treate, U. S, A. ; Colonel Robert J. Kimball, of Ver- 
mont; Mr. Kale, of Indiana. 

Eighteenth Carriage. — General F. G. Butterfield, and Colonel 
John R. Thompson, of Washington, D. C. ; Colonel Geo. W. Hooker, 
and Hon. John W. Cramton. 

Nineteenth Carriage. — Captain A. C. Taylor, U. S. A. ; Captain 
Taylor, commanding the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Com- 
pany, of Boston ; Major- General Schuyler Hamilton, of New York ; 
Lieutenant William H. Humphrey, of Vermont. 

The supply of carriages, not only for the Presidential party, 
above, but, also, for the State guests, in Division Third of the Grand 
Procession, was ample, and the arrangement faultless, reflecting 
great credit upon Chairman Gibson, and his associates, of the Com- 
mittee on Carriages. 

The Review, and Subsequent Exercises. — At precisely ten 
o'clock, the Division of carriages, led by the President of the United 
States, moved to its position in line, whereupon General William L. 
Greenleaf, Chief Marshal, started the column. On the line of march 
from the Soldiers' Home to the President's reviewing stand, it was 
one continuous ovation. 

Upon arriving at the reviewing stand. President Harrison was 
received by the Reception Committee (Major-General Wm. Wells, 
Chairman), and escorted to his position at- the front of the stand. 
Governor Page stood at his right; Secretary of War, Proctor; 
Attorney-General Miller ; Governor Tuttle, of New Hampshire, with 
Adjutant-General Ayling ; Governor Russell, of Massachusetts, with 
Adjutant General Dalton ; Major-General Howard, of the United 
States Army ; ex-Governor Prescott, of New Hampshire ; ex-Gov- 
ernor Greene, of New Jersey ; Hon. Wheelock G. Veazey, President 
of the Day ; Hon. Edward J. Phelps, Orator of the Day ; the Rev. Dr» 
Parkhurst, Chaplain of the Day, and Adjutant-General Theodore S. 
Peck stood in their rear. The other distinguished guests, who rode 
in the carriages of the President's Division, occupied seats on the 
reviewing stand, while the grand stand opposite was filled with 
lovely ladies from Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New 
York, and all parts of the country. 

Immediately as the troops commenced the march, passing the 
Chief Executive of the United States and the Governor oi Vermont^ 
all the bands and drum corps played "The President's March," the 
officers and colors saluted, amid the rousing cheers from the 




,^ /7 / 



; e. 



.^ 



THE A UXILIAR Y E VENTS. 145 

people, and those who lined, the sidewalks and tlie Grand Stand 
opposite waved their handl?:erchiefs. While all the organizations 
passed in splendid form, it will be no disparagement to any of them 
to say, that the marching of the West Point Cadets ; Major Cush- 
ing's Light Battery (4th United States Artillery) ; the Battalion 
National Guard of New Hampshire ; the Separate Companies of 
Infantry, National Guard State of New York, and the Vermont 
National Guard were particularly fine. The Mounted Post, Grand 
Army of the Republic ; the Grand Army Posts ; Sons of Veterans ; 
Sons of the American Revolution, with the Continental flags at their 
head (rear-guard of the two cannon captured from Colonel Baum 
in the Bennington Battle August 16, 1777); the Knights Templars ; 
Patriarchs Militant, I. O. O. F. ; Knights of Pythias, etc., ail made 
a grand and imposing spectacle, and their soldierly bearing, and 
magnificent marching, will long be remembered by a happy people. 

After the President's party had taken their carriages, they led 
the Third or Carriage Division to the Monument. Upon arrival 
there, The President was met by the Committee, under the leader- 
ship of ex-Lieutenant-Governor Urban A. Woodbury, — who, with 
his empty sleeve, made a stirring picture, and a strong reminder of 
the days of 1861-'65, — and escorted to his seat amid loud cheers. 

A retrospect of this occasion emphasizes the probability that 
this was Bennington's last great day of this generation, and also, 
that it was the greatest of the series. Another century must pass 
away before it can be equalled — but we will not trouble ourselves 
about that. The Bennington of the present covered herself with 
glory, in the spirit with which her citizens entered into the great 
entertainment and assisted in carrying out its details. What will 
strike the interested reader of this volume with peculiar force is the 
rich variety of its features and their being brought together into one 
grand system — the plan and its thorough and easy execution. 
There were large forces of representative militia from several states, 
all welded together and brought into active service as readily as 
organized troops in the field. Working in entire harmony, were 
large delegations from the leading civic, or semi-military societies of 
Knights Templars of Freemasonry, and Patriarchs Militant of Odd 
Fellowship, each vieing with the other in the size of their columns, 
military appearance and attractiveness of uniforms. To these 
organizations are to be added the Soldier Veterans, Sons of Veter- 
ans, Sons of the American Revolution (with the Continental, and 
Vermont flags of 1775, carried by Mr. Daniel W. Robinson and 
Colonel Wm. A. Crombie, of Burlington, both large, and splendid 
looking gentlemen, members of the Vermont Society), Vermont 



146 



DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL 



Legislators, visitors in carriages, and — for how many more, the 
reader is referred to pages 70-74. Woven hi the fabric, also, 'were 
the literary exercises and the banquet. 

The Committee on Music. — This committee, of which Secre- 
tary Bates was Chairman (page 66), early determined that in the 
absence of a poem, an original ode was the lea'st that could be sub- 
mitted on the Dedication occasion. The following was, therefore, 
prepared and finely rendered in its order as stated : 

Bennington, Vt., Atigust 19, 1891. 



VERMONT CENTENNIAL ODE. 



Words by EMMET B. DALEY. 

Maentoso. , 



(vide p. 83) Music by RUDOLPH GOLDSMITH. 



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1. Our Coin-mon wealth's first hun - dred years, This meed of song may claini, 

2. A - cross the years we look to - day To where of yore ye stood, 

3. This mon - u - men - tal shaft we raise In Free-dom's sa - cred name, 



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our dear State's wor 


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at bay For 

- thy praise. Her 


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Brave men and 
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mountains, high, Peace 'mong her. val - leys lie; Com - fort and love be dwell- ers 

worn - en, true Free - dom we owe to you ; And on us all yc make a 

sto-iy's told, Num - b'ring brave deeds of old. Thy name, Ver - mont^ shall ev - or 

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in her ev - 'ry home With in her bound - a - lies 'neath heav'n's blue dome, 

just and right-eous claim To keep the old State free and pure from blame, 

proud - ly shine on • high. Like this fair mon - u - ment, pierc - ing the sky. 

^ J ^ I Y.^ » ^ ••-. h- _^ 



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THE A UXILIAR Y E VENTS. 147 

At the conclusion of the dedicatory exercises, the guests took 
their carriages and moved to the front of the procession, returning 
to the Soldiers' Home, where they found the troops drawn up in 
line, and as The President passed along in front of the many organi- 
zations he was received with arms presented and colors drooping, 
the drums beating "The President's March." 



CHAPTER III. 

Details of the Baxquet, axd the Pyrotechnics. 

Upon arrival at the Soldiers' Home, preparations were imme- 
diately made to repair to the Banquet-tent, which had been placed 
in readiness by the Committee on Banquet and Tents, Judge Carney, 
chairman. The sale of tickets to dinner had been so managed by 
Secretary Bates, of the Citizens Committee of Fifty, that everybody 
was ready, ticket in hand. This left little for the military guard to 
do, but to place the awaiting people in line, and the door-keepers to 
take up the vouchers. After the slight pause at the Soldiers' 
Home parlors, during which a number were presented to The Presi- 
dent, as above stated, the N"ation's Chief Executive and Governor 
Page led the way to dinner, the Staff of the Governor of Vermont 
acting as a guard of honor, forming a square around The President, 
Cabinet officers, the officials of the Day, and guests, as they walked 
to the pavilion, — the First Regiment band playing, "Hail to the 
Chief," as they entered. The people, who had previously assembled 
in the banquet-room, remained standing with uncovered heads, until 
the distinguished guests were seated. Each member of the Presi- 
dent's party were assigned to seats on a raised platform. General 
Wheelock G. Veazey, President of the Day, occupied the centre of 
the table. President Harrison was seated at his right, with Gov- 
ernor Page at his left, and Secretary of War Proctor at his right. 

To the right of Secretary Proctor were seated : Attorney-General 
Miller ; Senators Edmunds and Morrill, of Vermont ; Senator Gallin- 
ger, of New Hampshire; ex-Governor Rice, of Massachusetts; 
Colonel Albert Clarke, of Boston ; Hon. Wm. W. Grout, M. C, from 
Vermont ; General J. M. Warner, and Major-General Jos. B. Carr, of 
Albany, N. Y. ; Hon. John King, General J. G. McCullough, Colonel 
Wm. Seward Webb, Mr. H. Walter Webb, Colonel B. B. Smalley, 
Colonel Herbert F. Brigham, A. D. C. ; President Barrett, of the 
Sons of the American Revolution ; Colonel William' A. Crombie ; 
Colonel George W. Hooker ; Hon. Daniel Roberts, of Burlington ; 
Colonel H. R. Cutler, A. D. C. ; General F. E. Alfred, Judge Advo- 



148 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

cate-General of Vermont ; Colonel Lyman F. Abbott, A. D. C. ; 
Captain Herbert S. Foster, U. S. A. ; Captain R. W. Hoyt, U. S. A. ; 
Colonel L. L. Langdon, U. S. A. ; ex-Governor Barstow, of Ver- 
mont; Hon. L. L. Tarbell, Registrar-General, S. A. R. ; Lieutenant 
Treate, U. S. A. ; Major F. C. Ainsworth, Surgeon, F. S. A. ; Hon. 
William H. Bruce, of Kentucky; Colonel MacDonald, of Wash- 
ington, D. C. ; General William L. Greenleaf, commanding Brigade, 
V. N. G.; Colonel M. D. Greene, Assistant Adjutant-General; 
Colonel William Smith, Assistant Quartermaster-General; Major 
R. J. Coffey, Provost-Marshal; Major C. E. Nelson, Inspector of 
Rifle Practice ; Captain Max. L. Powell, A. D. C, and Captain A. H. 
Sabin, A. D. C. 

To the left of General Veazey were seated : Hon. Edward J. 
Phelps, Orator of the Day;, Rev. Charles Parkhurst, D.D., Chaplain 
of the Day; ex-Governor B. F. Prescott, of New Hampshire ; Gov- 
ernor Tuttle, and Adjutant-General Ayling, of New Hampshire; 
Governor Russell, and Adjutant-General Dalton, of Massachusetts ; 
Major-General O. O. Howard, U. S. A. ; General Russell A. Alger, 
of Michigan; ex-Governor R. S. Greene, of New Jersey; General R. 
N. Batchelder, U. S. A. ; Hon. E. W. Halford, Private Secretary to 
President Harrison ; Mr. Russell B. Harrison ; Commander E. T. 
Woodward, U. S. N. ; Hon. H. H. Powers, M. C. ; Major-General 
Wm. Wells ; Hon. Albert E Richardson ; ex-Lieutenant-Governor 
Urban A. Woodbury ; Major-General Alexander S. Webb, of New 
York ; General L. G. Kingsley, Major Hugh H. Baxter, of Rutland ; 
Hon. George Grenville Benedict, Mr. Daniel W. Robinson, of Bur- 
lington ; Adjutant-General Theodore S. Peck ; Major E. H. Liscum, 
LT. S. A. ; Hon. Luther O. Greene, ex-Governor Roswell Farnham, of 
Vermont ; Hon. A. F. Walker, of Chicago ; ex-Governor Ebenezer 
J. Orsmbee, of Vermont; Hon. W. E. Barrett, Speaker of the 
House, of Massachusetts ; Hon. Robert Roberts, of Burlington ; 
Surgeon-General J. C. Rutherford ; Colonel M. J. Horton, A. D. C. ; 
Colonel W. H. H. Slack, A. D. C. ; ex-Lieutenant-Governor Levi K. 
Fuller, commanding Fuller's Light Battery, V. N. G. ; Major Henry 
C. Gushing, U. S. A., commanding Light Battery, 4th Artillery ; 
Colonel Julius J. Estey, commanding First Regiment, V. N. G. ; 
Lieutenant-Colonel Charles C. Kinsman, Major George H. Bond, 
Major John H. Watson, Major C. W. Evans, and others. 

Among the ladies who were present at the banquet, were Mrs. 
Attorney-General Miller, Mrs. Edward J. Phelps, Mrs. General 
Alger, Mrs, General H. Henry Baxter, Mrs. Colonel Aldace F. 
Walker, Mrs. Horatio Loomis, Mrs. General Wheelock G. Veazey, 
Mrs. ex-Governor Ormsbee, Mrs. General Levi G. Kingsley; Mrs. 




-■^asoiz3-0'' 



^r 




^ 




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I 



THE A UXILIAR Y E VENTS. 149 

Albert E. Richardson, of Burlington; Miss May Roberts, of Rut- 
land ; Miss Fifield, of Montpelier ; Miss Brown, Miss Ormsbee, Mrs. 
Governor Fuller, Mrs. Colonel Estey, Mrs. Colonel Hooker, Mrs. 
Senator Morrill, Mrs. Colonel Smalley, Mrs. ex-Governor Farnham, 
Mrs. ex-Governor Fingree, Mrs. Colonel Powell, Mrs. General James 
S. Peck, Mrs. General Theodore S. Peck, Miss Shattuck, Miss Mary 
Agnes Peck; Mrs. John King, Miss King, of New York; Mrs. Gen- 
eral J. G. McCullough, Mrs. Jennings, the Misses McCuUough ; Mrs. 
Governor Tuttle, of New Hampshire; Mrs. General Ay ling; Mrs. 
Dr. Jenney ; Mrs. Colonel Kopper, of New York ; Mrs. Captain R. 
W. Hoyt, Mrs. Captain Childs, Mrs. Judge Henry, Miss Wood, 
Miss Brush, Miss Stacy, Miss Staniford, Mrs. General Alfred, Miss 
Gilmore, Miss Lowell, Mrs. Colonel Horton; Miss Mary Roberts and 
Miss Caroline M. Roberts, of Bui-lington ; Mrs. W. E. Hawks, the 
Misses Hawks, Mrs. Colonel Abbott, Mrs. Colonel E. D. Bennett, 
Mrs. Major R. J. Coffey, Mrs. Colonel Scott, Mrs. Major Valentine, 
Miss Valentine, Miss Agnes Robinson and others. The arrange- 
ment of seats is outlined on page 104, which see. 

The Banquet as Spread. — It may be of interest to know the 
amount of food served, and the manner in which the great quantity 
was placed on the attractive tables, and other details of the work. 
The list of food, as written out by the caterer, is as follows: 2,950 
pounds of meats, 1,100 pounds of lobster, 200 dishes of potato salad, 
175 dishes of sardine salad, 700 quarts of Saratoga chips, 4,225 
rolls, 225 pounds of table butter, 350 dishes of wine jelly, 500 
pounds of cake, 1,150 quarts of ice-cream, sherbets, etc., 50 gallons 
of spun sugar, 325 melons, 2,250 bananas, 2 barrels of apples, 700 
pounds of grapes, 15 bushels of pears, 400 cucumbers, 30 gallons of 
pickles, 16 gallons of olives, 8 bushels of tomatoes, 500 pounds of 
sugar, 225 gallons of coffee, 120 gallons of tea, 200 gallons of cream. 

To spread the tables there were used 1,400 yards of linen, 4,000 
napkins, 250 towels, 36,185 pieces of china, 17,500 pieces of silver. 

The transportation from Boston pressed into service three 
freight cars and one refrigerator car, containing all the provisions, 
which the Fitchburg railroad, through strict orders to the train 
despatcher, " watched " from time of starting until their safe arrival 
in Bennington ; with instructions in case of accident to notify the 
caterer at once. A carriage was kept at call, in order that the dam- 
age, if any occurred, could be repaired ; and much credit is due 
Genera] Superintendent Adams for the facilities supplied, — all of 
which contributed to the success of the dinner. 

The caterer, further, says : Ten men were employed upon the 
camp-ground for ten days, in unpacking and preparing the wares, 
also in clearing up and packing for return; sixty waiters setting 
the tables, besides cooks, ice-cream men and others. They were 
assisted in the service of the dinner by 350 young ladies, and 
gentlemen, of Bennington. 

The President's Departure. — Toward the close of the ban- 



150 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

quet, The President was driven to General McCullough's residence 
at North Bennington, and his party followed afterward. It was a 
source of regret that these distinguished guests could not he present 
at the Pyrotechnic display of the evening, under the management of 
the Committee, of whom A. P. Childs was chairman. President 
Harrison left Bennington for Saratoga, N. Y., Thursday morning, 
August 20th. Before leaving he said to a reporter : " I have been 
much pleased with my visit, and the people of Vermont may well 
be delighted with yesterday's celebration." 

Personal axd Complimentary. — Too much praise cannot be 
accorded His Excellency, Governor Carroll S. Page and Staff ; the 
members of the Centennial Commission; to Brigadier-General Wm. 
L. Greenleaf, Chief Marshal, and Staff ; the State, and Bennington 
Committees, and all members of the different organizations, in 
the preparation and execution of the ceremonies connected with the 
grand Celebration and Dedication of the Bennington Battle Monu- 
ment on the 19th of August, 1891. From the beginning to the end, 
everything moved along without a hitch or jar, an occurrence rarely 
known, and worthy of record, the entire management showing care- 
ful thought, wonderful executive ability and attention to details. 

Governor Page, and each member of his Staff, will always 
remember with great pleasure the kindly assistance tendered them 
by the members of the different committees, President Hugh Henry 
of the Board of Trustees, and Major and Mrs. Robert J. Coffey of 
the Vermont Soldiers' Home, as well as by the citizens of Benning- 
ton, and thank them one and all for the assistance rendered, the 
result of which was the grand and most successful celebration ever 
witnessed in Vermont. 

The Pyrotechnic Display. — This, the closing part of the 
celebration for the people generally, was arranged upon a plan in 
harmony with other portions of the exercises. The display was 
colossal in its proportions, and thousands witnessed it, seated upon 
the spacious grounds to the North of the Soldiers' Home. It was 
presented in four sections, and consisted : First, of the prelusive dis- 
play of general firework designs, devices and set pieces. Second, 
the/ac-sfm27e of the Monument, in lines of fire. Third, the tribute 
to Vermont's Centennial. Fourth, the grand historical pageant, or 
fire pictures, representing the heroic scenes of Vermont's past his- 
tory. Preceding the opening of the evening's exhibit, a grand 
illumination of the exhibition grounds occurred, producing a lus- 
trous glow, extending the length and breadth of the enclosure, and, 
while burning, revealed the various designs, devices, mottoes and 
special features prepared for the occasion. 



THE A UXILIAR Y E VENTS. 151 

The exhibition, proper, began with a National salute from 
marooned bombs, echoing from hill to hill, in honor of the day 
and occasion. This was followed by a magnificent display of serial 
fireworks, consisting of 12, 18, and 30-inch shells, from mortar guns, 
showing examples of stellular gerbs, meteoric showers, gyral 
rosettes, dragons, chain- lights, whirling globes, serolites, sparkling 
prisms, cometic shells, saucissions, floral bouquets, etc. ; continued 
by flights of rockets employed to exhibit all the best varieties lately 
introduced ; displaying groups of floral wreaths, star bouquets, 
sun-fire showers, electric flames, Japanese wheels, willow trees, 
exploding and contorting serpents, floating star-signals, changeable 
and magnesium lights, in great variety ; continued with heavy bat- 
teries of Roman candles, massed in groups and sections about the 
grounds, and displaying great wheat-sheafs of colored star-clouds 
and silver mists, followed by golden fountains of the largest size, 
fired in unison, and producing the effect of living geysers of fire, or 
sparkling scintillations, spouting upwards from 20 to thirty feet 
high ; and continued with spiral wheels or magic rings, displayed in 
groups of three, five and seven, which flew upward and exhibited 
floral centres, after which, the First Section of the exhibit was pre- 
sented, consisting of the following seven original designs : 

The Star of America. — A magnificent star design, composed of 
mystic bands of sapphire flame, moved in swift rotation, mutating to 
surrounding zones, encircling crimson and emerald fires, flashing in 
sheeny splendor ; changed to the " Star of America," comprising 
star-points, shining in a still expanse of unbroken rays, of incan- 
descent flame, terminating with a copious shower of reflective 
rayonnants heavily charged with marooned gerbs. 

Bands of Orion. — This superb piece commenced with a radiant 
sun of Chinese fires, with a centre of dazzling flame, shooting out 
rays of brilliant light, mutating to a representation of " Bands of 
Orion," composed of a large array of richly colored saxons, rotating 
around a common centre, and gerbs of powerful calibre, discharg. 
ing sparkling circles of scintillating light, that extended over an 
immense surface, ending with a grand marooned explosion. 

TJie Kaleidoscope. — This revolving piece opened with a display 
of contra rotating belts of Chinese and Japanese fires, which, by a 
sudden transformation became the arena for rapid evolutions of 
countless angles of amethyst, ruby, azure and agate jets, and combi- 
nations of beautiful colors. 

The Pleiades. — A revolving belt of jessamine fires, encircling 
in rapid evolutions an opaque centre, which was suddenly filled with 
a scroll formed of crimson and emerald lance-work, mutating to 



152 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

" The Pleiades," composed of a circle of seven stars in red, white and 
blue fires, enclosing a central star wrought in appropriate colors. 

The Magic Rings. — Circles of sparkling flame waving rapidly 
around opaque centres, which were suddenly filled with belts of 
interchanging fires, decorated with richly colored jets and alternate 
rosettes. 

The Iriscope. — Double revolving belts of brilliant .and jessa- 
mine fires, rotating in contra directions, leaving a dark and opaque 
centre. ' Suddenly from this centre radiated bright lines of crimson, 
azure, emerald and amethystine hues, traversing the entire surface 
of the design in every direction, and in rapid succession, yet so 
arranged that every color appeared separate and distinct. 

Arthusian Fountain. — An imitation of rushing waters, whose 
silver cadences breathed a murmur, laugh and ring, amid a wealth 
of ciliated spur-fires. 

Preceding the Second Division of the exhibit a general display 
of heavy bomb-shells was fired from mortar guns, showing beautiful 
combinations and groupings of colors and designs, followed by the 
"Design of the Battle Monument," or a pyrotechnic representation 
of the Battle Monument, about 35 feet in height. 

A display of exhibition rockets, parachute, balloon signals, etc., 
preceded the Third Section of the exhibit, or tribute to Vermont's 
Centennial. This composition was designed and dedicated to the 
Centennial of Vermont's history as a State of the great Republic. 
An American Eagle with extended pinions clasped in its talons the 
Olive-branch of Peace and the Shield of the Union. Around a border 
of artistic design glowed and scintillated, in variegated pyrotechnic 
hues of diamond and protean lance-work, the motto : " In the Sister- 
hood of the States." Below, on a vertical base, appeared the 
legend: "Vermont, March 4, 1791." Above the whole shone an arc 
of thirteen stars, emblematic of the Original Thirteen States, while 
in clear field, springing from the head of the eagle, and flashing in 
the silvery majesty of a dazzling electric glory, appeared the four- 
teenth star. 

Preceding the Fourth Section of this display, a superb magnetic 
illumination took place from an extended arc of hanging prismatic 
lights. A line of 500 feet in length produced a rainbow of change- 
able colors of long duration and magnificent effect, and as it expired 
star-sown bombs turned the darkness of night into a blaze of royal 
splendor, introducing the grand climax of the Centennial Celebra- 
tion : " An Historical Pageant." 

On the canvas of night rose the green hills and the forest 
primeval, while rolling down from the mountains, rippled and 








\ . 




i 




THE A UXILIAR Y E VENTS. 153 

laughed a crystal stream meandering through the lowlands, and 
over its waves glided a canoe, paddled by an Indian whose war- 
paint was distinctly seen as he rowed his bark through the foaming 
rapids. Then appeared the tableau of Ethan Alien, as he stood 
with his Green Mountain Boys at the gates of the citadel of Ticon- 
deroga. Then followed the motto: "May 10, 1775," where the 
renowned warrior was portrayed in that critical moment when 
Captain Delaplace demanded : " By whose authority do you call 
upon me to surrender?" Allen was represented in the act of rais- 
ing his sword as if to strike, while he replied in the words of the 
accompanying legend : " In the name of the Great Jehovah and the 
Continental Congress." The next scene enacted, in the pageant, was 
a colossal likeness of " Parson Allen," the fighting parson of the 
Revolution, in Continental costume. The scene represented was 
the Parson's famous appeal to the enemy. (See page 130.) Then 
appeared General Stark pointing to the distant foe, while with 
stentorian voice he cried : " You see the Red Coats, they are ours, 
or Molly Stark sleeps a widow to-night." (See page 76.) Then 
instantly followed the fierce cannonading of the Battle of Benning- 
ton, August 16, 1777, of which Stark said, in his ofiScial report, "It 
was the hottest I ever saw." Then salvos on salvos of artillery 
announced the victory, and out of this serenely shone ?^ facsimile of 
the State seal of Vermont, with the legend, "Vermont, Freedom 
and Unity." 

This grand finale consisted of twelve separate and distinct 
pieces, any one of which would adorn the proudest festival. 

Going Home. — The assemblage dispersed after the fireworks, 
and a large number of the visiting organizations and individuals, 
Irom all parts of the State, left on the late evening and the early 
morning trains. 

The Newspaper Force. — It was. a large and lively corps of 
newspaper correspondents that appeared for duty at the Centennial, 
and an extensive collection of news matter was sent out, both by 
wire and through the mails. The State press was represented, on 
the active working force, by Messrs. Perkins, McGuirk, Dodge and 
Thomas, of the Rutland Herald \ Messrs. Gates and Kilbourn, of 
the Burlington Free Press ; Greene, of the St. Albans Messetiger ; 
the New England Associated Press was represented by Messrs. 
Stillson, Smith and Sault ; the United Press, by Bain, of Washing- 
ton ; the New York Associated Press, by Tyson, of the Tribune ; 
the Boston Herald by Perry ; the Boston Traveller by French ; the 
Boston Journal by Forbes, Ingalls and Beals ; the Boston Globe by 
Mrs. McGuirk ; the New York Herald by Krotel ; the New York 



154 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

Press by Captain Clay ; the Illinois State Jouriial by E. S. Walker \ 
the Troy Times by Allen, and Parker ; the Troy Press by Ryan, 
and Cooley ; the Troy Telegram by Lord ; the New England Maga- 
zine by Wood ; the Springfield Republican by Cooke ; the Holyoke 
Transcript by J. H. Skinner ; George S. Fisk of The Pennington 
Banner staff, and Bennington Reformer by J. H. Livingston. Two 
or three other papers were, doubtless, represented, but the names of 
their workers we did not learn. The Bennington Banner office was 
the press headquarters, and the newspaper men worked together 
most harmoniously. There was an abundance of work, and head- 
quarters was a busy place till far into "the wee sma' hours " daily. 



CHAPTER IV. 



Auxiliary Events, and Documentary History. 

The Organizations Participating. — The harmonious blend- 
ing of the military and the civic societies, noted in the preceding 
chapter, calls for especial mention. The expense, be it remembered 
of their participation, was borne by themselves, and cheerfully paid, 
too, because of a dominant public-spirit that pervades the respec- 
tive memberships. Manifestly, therefore, no history of the great 
celebration would be complete which did not include a sketch of the 
preparatory proceedings of the Commands that added so much to 
the spectacular effect of the Grand Procession. 

The Knights Templars. — R.-. E.-. Will F. Lewis, Grand Com- 
mander of the Knights Templars of Vermont, in his annual address 
before the Grand Conclave June 9, A.O., 773, said: " On May 24th I 
received from the Governor of the State, a cordial invitation to the 
Knights Templars of Vermont, to unite with other military and 
civic organizations in celebrating the hundredth anniversary of the 
admission of Vermont into the Union, and to dedicate the Battle 
Monument at Bennington. # # # i acknowledged the 
receipt of the invitation, and stated that I would lay the matter 
before this Body at this time, and that the decision would be at once 
communicated. I therefore recommend that action be taken upon 
the invitation, and a suitable answer returned." 

This was referred, on motion of R.-. E.-. Alfred A. Hall, to a 
committee consisting of the first four officers of the Grand Com- 
mandery, who reported : " The Committee to whom was referred 
the R.'. E.-. Grand Commander's address, relating to the invitation 
of the Governor to attend and participate in the parade at Benning- 
ton, August 19th, beg leave to report : ' That they have considered 



THE A UXILIAR Y E VENTS. 155 

the matter and have as far as possible obtained the opinion of Tem- 
plars from the various portions of the State, =* * * and 
recommend that the invitation be accepted.' " 

This report was signed by Will F. Lewis, Marsh O. Perkins and 
George W. Squier. After discussion, on motion of Past Grand Com- 
mander Bacon, the Governor's invitation was unanimously accepted. 
The following resolution was, also, unanimously adopted : 

'•'• Resolmd^ That the first four officers to be elected to-day be a 
committee to ascertain the number of Sir Knights who will attend 
the exercises at Bennington, August 19th, next, and to make 
arrangements for transportation, and all other arrangements that 
may be necessary to make the trip a success." 

The committee, thus constituted, consisted of Sir Kittredge 
Haskins, R.-. E.-. Grand Commander ; Sir Marsh O. Perkins, R.-. 
E.-. Deputy Grand Commander; Sir George W. Squier, E.-. Grand 
Generalissimo; Sir Robert J. Wright, E.-. Grand Captain-General. 
Several " General Orders " were promulgated to promote the attend- 
ance in full ranks at Bennington, and, among other things, the 
Grand Commander said : " It is of the utmost importance that we 
make a highly creditable appearance in the parade. We owe this to 
ourselves, as an organization of Templars, and to our State." 

On page 72, of this volume, will be found the Commanderies 
that responded, classified in order of rank. It was a handsome 
showing that the Vermont Knights Templars made in the parade, 
and they fully deserved the applause with which they were greeted 
along the line of march. Every Commandery in the State was 
represented, and the magnificent uniforms and Knightly bearing of 
the wearers added attractiveness and dignity to the moving column. 
During the march, the Templars formed crosses, triangles and other 
fancy figures. A mounted Command escorted the Grand Com- 
mandery, while the other Knights escorted (in conjunction with the 
Putnam Phalanx), the old Baum cannon. 

The transportation arrangements were early placed in charge 
of Sir Silas W. Cummings, of the Central Vermont Railroad, E.-. 
Grand: Sword- Bearer, and the cars brought together, as below 
stated, were known as " The K. T. Train." The elegantly appointed 
vestibuled train attracted much attention, being designated and 
decorated as such, in an attractive manner. The following story 
of "The K. T. Train " has been prepared, especially for this volume, 
by Frater Cummings, at the request of the Editor : 

As soon as the vote of the Grand Commandery of the Knights 
Templars of Vermont, taken at its Annual Conclave in June, 1891, 
deciding as a body to attend the Bennington Battle Monument 



156 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

Dedication, was made known, the applications for transportation 
disclosed the necessity for an unusual effort to provide the proper 
facilities. The only feasible plan, which presented itself, was to 
charter sleeping cars, therefore, negotiations were opened with the 
Wagner Palace Car Company, resulting in chartering, to meet the 
requirements, eighteen fine sleeping cars to carry both the Knights 
Templars, and the Cantons of Patriarchs Militant, I. O. O. F. 

A schedule was prepared for a special train to run as follows : 
Leaving St. Albans at 8.30, P. M., Tuesday, August 18th, from 
which point the pilgrimage started with Lafayette Commandery, 
No. 3, K. T., accompanied by the St. Albans Brigade Band, and 
Canton Franklin, P. M. At Burlington there was added to the 
train Burlington Commandery, No. 2, with its commissary car, and 
Canton Lafayette, with the Sherman Band. Also, joining here, 
were the following Commalideries of K. T. : Malta, No. 10, from 
Newport ; Mount Zion, No. 9, from Montpelier, and Palestine, No. 
5, from St. Johnsbury, with their commissary cars. At Middlebury, 
Mt. Calvary Commandery, No. 1, [mounted Command], joined the 
train with their sleeping car. 

On arrival at Rutland the above train, consisting of twelve 
sleeping cars and three commissary cars, was run through to Ben- 
nington, as the first section; followed by the other bodies which 
had massed at Rutland, comprising the following : Beauseant 
Commandery, No. 7, K. T., of Brattleboro, escorting the (xrand 
Commander, R.-. E.-. Sir Kittredge Haskins, with the Brattleboro 
Band; Canton Palestine, of Patriarchs Militant, of Brattleboro; 
Vermont Commandery, No. 4, K. T., of Windsor, with Drum Corps, 
and Killington Commandery, No. 6, K. T., of Rutland. This was 
the second section, and consisted of six sleeping cars and one com- 
missary car. Canton Montpelier, Patriarchs Militant, went in a 
sleeping car, on the regular trains to Bennington, during the night 
of the 17th. 

After the ceremonies of the 19th, and the fireworks that even- 
ing, the train carrying the above bodies was run in two sections to 
Rutland ; there dividing, those going East from Rutland, stopping 
over one train for rest and refreshment, and those going North 
moving forward immediately toward their respective destinations. 

There were moved, as described above, nine Commanderies of 
Knights Templars, four Cantons of Patriarchs Militant, three bands, 
and one drum corps, on time and without injury to any one. 

A General Order was issued tendering the thanks of the Grand 
Commander, R.*. E.*. Sir Kittredge Haskins, to the several railroads 
in the State; and the different bodies, named above, also, passed 



^-.-J^^ % ^--^ 




THE A UXILIAli Y E VENTS. 157 

resolutions of thanks for courtesies received, and highly eulogized 
the officials of the different railroads for the excellent means of 
transportation provided. The General Superintendent of the Wag- 
ner Palace Car Company, Mr. C. D. Flagg, and his able assistants, 
Messrs. Yager, and Wagner, were at Bennington, and gave their 
personal attention to the care of their sleeping cars, and the comfort 
of the occupants 

Too much praise cannot be awarded to the officials, and the 
employes, of the Bennington & Rutland Railway, for the masterly 
manner in which they handled their trains, on a one-track road, 
with no accident or injury to a single passenger. In the railroad 
history of this country there have been few, if any, parallel cases, 
where, laboring under such disadvantages, so many trains have 
been moved successfully and all in perfect safety. 

Such is the history of " The K. T. Train," and we close in the 
congratulatory words of the Grand Commander's " General Orders, 
No. 2," referred to above: "The Grand Commander takes this 
method of thanking the officers and members of the Grand Com- 
mandery and of the Subordinate Commanderies, who, in response to 
his order, assembled at Bennington on the 19th, inst. * * 
He congratulates the several Commanderies upon their proficiency 
in drill, their soldierly bearing, their magnificent appearance and 
Knightly conduct. The generous applause that greeted them along 
the line of march was most deservedly bestowed. Never before 
have the Templars of Vermont, convened in so large numbers ; it 
was an occasion that will be long remembered and never regretted 
by any one of the Sir Knights who were present in uniform and 
participated therein." 

The Patriarchs Militant. — An invitation, from the Governor 
of Vermont, having been issued to General John C. Underwood, 
Commander of the Army, Patriarchs Militant, the uniformed branch 
of the I. O. O. F., and accepted, a large gathering of Odd Fellows 
took action thereon at Montpelier, June 3d. The occasion was the 
annual sessions of the Grand Bodies of the Order, and the object of 
the meeting was stated to be the proper reception of Past Grand 
Sire Underwood, and the Order's relation to the Vermont Cen- 
tennial, at Bennington, August 19th. Colonel Norman M. Puffer, 
Department Commander of the Patriarchs Militant, presided. 

The Editor of this volume is on record as suggesting an organi- 
zation, consisting of prominent and influential members of the 
Order, to ensure a full attendance in uniform, and a reception to 
ex-Governor Underwood, that should be at once a credit to the Order 
and an honor to the State. Henry Clark, P. G. M., stated, as his 



158 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

opinion, that it was the most important event that had ever fallen 
to the lot of the Order in Vermont (it being the first time, in its his- 
tory, that so distinguished an official of the Order had visited the 
State), and that it was incumbent to receive the honored guest, in 
such a manner, as comports with the dignity of the occasion. 
Grand Representative William D. Wilson, Past Grand Master N". 

C. Hyde, Grand Representative Henry W. Hall and Major L. C. 
Grant followed in endorsement ; and, on motion of William D. Wil- 
son, a committee was created as follows, to constitute a board of 
reception and entertainment, to be known as the " Centennial Com- 
mission": Norman M. Putfer, Bennington, Chairman; Henry W. 
Hall, Burlington; Henry Clark, Rutland; Hugh Henry, Chester; 
Nelson C. Hyde, Poultney ; Wm. D. Wilson, St. Albans ; Henry L. 
Stillson, Bennington ; L. C. Grant, Burlington ; N. P. Bowman, St. 
Johnsbury ; Myron .J. Horton, Poultney ; J. W. Goodell, Burling- 
ton ; Rev. A. J. Hough, Montpelier ; Henry E. Parker, Bradford ; 
W. D. Chandler, St. Albans ; D. G. Furman, Swanton ; F. E. Alfred, 
Newport ; L. R. Robinson, Derby Line ; Henry E. Randall, Island 
Pond; L. V. Green, Rutland; Julian H. Jones, Bradford; J. G. 
Harvey, White River Junction; B. L. Lockwood, Springfield; S. 

D. McLeod, Bellows Falls ; J. H. Jackson, Barre ; D. E. Tasker, 
Brattleboro ; G. W. Knights, Lyndonville ; Joseph K. Egerton, 
Northfield ; C. R. Bagley, Montpelier. 

Under date of July 10, 1891, Colonel Puffer, in General Orders, 
No. 10, said : " It is expected that all Field, Staff, and Line Officers, 
will exert their influence in calling together the whole Command at 
Bennington, the coming August. Everything bids fair for a fine 
display in all the branches of our Order. I desire the Command- 
ants of Cantons to report to me the number of swords that will be 
in line, as early as August 1st. * * * Let me say, in 
closing, that the responsibility of the success of our part of the Cen- 
tennial depends largely on j^ou, and I expect you to treat it with 
enthusiasm." 

Meantime, the regiments in Massachusetts and New York, 
contiguous, had been invited by the Odd Fellows Centennial Com- 
mission to participate in the parade and festivities of the occasion. 
The Underwood Hussars, of Boston, a mounted Troop, tendered 
their services as special escort to the Commander of Patriarchs 
Militant, and Bennington Odd Fellows made preparation to receive 
their guests. The result is shown in pages 73, 74. In the Grand 
Parade the Patriarchs Militant, acted as escort to the distinguished 
guests in the carriages of the Third Division (including the Presi- 
dential Review party from the Reviewing Stand to the Monument), 



THE A UXILIAR Y E VENTS. 1 59 

and received many ovations for their soldierly bearing and fine mill-, 
tary appearance. 

The Odd FELL0^ys' Reception. — Odd Fellows Hall was filled 
Tuesday evening, the 18th, to welcome Hon. John C. Underwood^ 
Past Grand Sire, and other distinguished members of the Order. 
The Daughters of Rebekah took an important part in the exercises. 
Among the more prominent visitors, we note : John W. Bourlet, 
Grand Master, New Hampshire; Jay B. Crawford, Grand Master, 
Massachusetts ; Peter J. Trumpler, Grand Master, Rhode Island ; 
George H. Cowell, Grand Master, Connecticut ; E. W. Jester Grand 
Master, Delaware. Grand Master J. W. Goodell, of Vermont, pre 
sided. The address of the evening was delivered by General 
Underwood, who was followed by the five Grand Masters aforesaid. 
This was General Underwood's first visit to Vermont, his impres- 
sions of the people, and particularly the members of the Order, in 
all its branches, were " certainly very good and flattering," and it 
had never before been his pleasure to address an audience com- 
prising, within its numbers, five actwe Grand Masters. The hall 
was elaborately decorated for the occasion. 

The Decoratiox of Chivalry. — One of the principal features- 
of the Centennial for Odd Fellows, aside from their participation in 
the Grand Procession, was the conferring of the Grand Decoration 
of Chivalry, at five o'clock, P. M., of Wednesday. This occurred on 
the grounds of the Soldiers' Home, and would have been witnessed 
by thousands had the fact been generally known. This is a decora- 
tion of honor conferred only upon those who by some meritorious 
service in the Order, or by reason of age and official rank are 
entitled to a special mark of distinction. A full ceremonial requires 
the presence of four Cantons, a number of Assistants, Maids of 
Honor, the Commander and Staff. Owing to the limited time on 
this occasion the field movements were omitted. The Decoration 
was conferred by General Underwood in person. The Assistants 
were : Misses Tena Swift, Frances E. Stillson, Ella Daley, Bertha 
Griswold ; with little Bessie Sibley as Maid of Honor, who affixed 
the decorations. Colonel Wm. H. Ralph (Second Massachusetts 
Regiment), acted as Adjutant-General; Lieutenant- Colonel W. D. 
Wilson, A. D. C, and Lieutenant-Colonel H. W. Hall, Chaplain- 
General. The military floor-work was enacted by the Underwood 
Hussars, of Boston (who won so much eclat as escort to the Com- 
mander of the Army, Patriarchs Militant, during the procession), 
Lieutenant-Colonel Charles M. Campbell, commanding. The two 
flanking Cantons were composed of Chevaliers selected from the 
several Cantons comprising the First Regiment of Vermont, Colonel 



160 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

N. M. Puffer, commanding. They were assisted by the large and 
handsomely uniformed Staff, together with the various Bannerets, 
Standard Bearers, Trumpeters, Heralds, Guards and Sentinels, with 
attendant colors and magnificent banners, constituting a military 
pageant which is seldom seen in a fraternity ceremonial. Sher- 
man's Military Band, of Burlington, made complete the martial 
tableau, on the picturesque field of " cloth and gold," in the beauti- 
ful valley of the Walloorasac, under the shadow of the Green 
Mountains, with the Battle Monument, they had just assisted in 
dedicating, standing as a sentinel to the west of the line. (See 
illustration : " Camp Vermont, with Battle Monument in the Dis- 
tance." ) The following ladies were decorated : Mrs. N. M. Puffer, 
Mrs. H. L. Stillson, Mrs. J. W. Good ell, Mrs. H. W. Hall, Mrs. J. H. 
Ayres, Mrs. Geo. H. Harwood, Mrs. S. E. Morris. The Chevaliers 
receivhig the Grand Decoration of Chivalry were: Colonel N. M. 
Puffer ; Lieutenant-Colonel, L. C. Grant, and Grand Master Good- 
ell ; Captain J. C. Timpson, Sergeant John H. Ayres. This is 
the only Degree of Odd Fellowship that is given in public, and 
since its adoption by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, in 1887, has been 
a marked feature of Cantonments, State and National. 

Reuniox of the Nixth Vermont Regiment. — General T. S. 
Peck's old command, the 9th Vermont Regiment, held its annual 
reunion at General Peck's headquarters-tent, on the grounds of 
" Camp Vermont," Tuesday afternoon, August 18, 1891. There 
were over one hundred members of the regiment present, as well as 
veterans from Vermont, and other regiments present in Bennington. 

Among the distinguished guests, who attended this reunion, 
were Governor Page, of Vermont ; ex-Governors Ormsbee, Farnham, 
and Pingree ; Lieutenant-Governor Henry A. Fletcher ; ex-Lieuten- 
ant-Governor U. A. Woodbury ; Major-General Alexander S. Webb, 
of New York ; General James M. Warner (11th Vermont ) ; Major- 
General Joseph B. Carr, of Albany, N. Y. ; Colonel G. G. Benedict, 
of Burlington ; Colonel Geo. W. Hooker, of Brattleboro ; Colonel 
Joel C. Baker, of Rutland, and others. 

The roll of the Regimental Society was called, and several 
members of the Old Ninth were found to have passed "Over the 
river to the silent majority " since the last meeting. 

Governor Page welcomed the veterans to his headquarters, and 
the Bennington Centennial. Colonel Benedict spoke most feelingly 
of Major-General George J. Stannard, first Colonel of the 9th Ver- 
mont, upon whose Staff he and Colonel Hooker served so faithfully 
and well at Gettysburg. Colonel Andross, the second Colonel of the 
regiment, also, alluded affectionately to General Stannard. Remarks 




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THE A UXILIAR Y E VENTS, 161 

were made by Genei-al Peck, Major Branch, Hon. Joel C. Baker, and 
others. The Society then proceeded to the election of officers, 
which are as follows : President, Colonel Dudley K. Andross, Brad- 
ford, Vt. ; First Vice-President, General Theo. S. Peck, Burlington, 
Vt. ; Second Vice-President, Sergeant George M. Lane, Springfield, 
Mass. ; Secretary and Treasurer, Lieutenant Richard F. Parker, 
Coventry, Yt. Executive Committee : Major Charles F. Branch, M. 
D., Newport, Vt. ; Captain Samuel H. Kelley, West Salisbury, Vt. ; 
Captain Chas. W. Haskell, Westmoreland, N. H. ; Private Myron 
Corbitt, Bennington, Vt. ; Private A. W. Turner, Gardner, Mass. 

The election of Colonel Andross to the Presidency, was an 
office to be permanent through life, the highest honor the members, 
of the Old Ninth Vermont, believe it in their power to bestow upon 
one who was so faithful to them during the war, and who has the 
good-will of the Society, and all who know him. The Secretary 
and Treasurer, Lieutenant R. F. Parker, was absent on account of 
sickness, much to the regret of those present, for it is by his 
patriotic and untiring work that the Mnth Regimental Society was 
started, and is so prosperous. 

The Band of the First Regiment, National Guard, rendered 
excellent music during the Reunion. After the speech- making 
there was a general good time, telling stories and shaking hands, 
such as only those who have stood shoulder to shoulder, in " days 
that tried men's souls," have any idea of. 

The Society adjourned, to meet again wherever the National 
Guard are encamped, for General Peck assured one and all that 
whenever he had a tent, or wherever he was in camp, the 9th Ver- 
mont Regiment were welcome to use his quarters for reunions. 

The members of the Regiment met at this tent at six o'clock, 
and marched in a body to witness the dress parade of the National 
Guard of Vermont, which they enjoyed immensely, and the sight of 
which brought back many reminiscences of the war times with 
which they were so familiar. 

John A. Logan Mounted Post. — A Comrade of this Com- 
mand (J. O. W. ), contributes the following: John A. Logan 
Mounted Post left North Orwell, at 9 o'clock, A. M., August 18th, 
with two car-loads of horses, and reached Bennington about 2 
o'clock, P. M. Quarters were assigned them in the new annex to 
the Soldiers' Home, with the horses picketed in an adjacent grove. 
Commander Hibbard received orders to report to General Greenleaf 
for duty, at 7 o'clock, the next morning. At that hour the Post was 
sent, mounted, to the residence of General McCullough, at North 
Bennington, to escort The President and party to the Soldiers* 



162 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

Home, with strict orders to have him there at 10 o'clock, sharp. 
At 8.30 o'clock, The President had not breakfasted. At 9 o'clock, 
none of the teams were ready, and Commander Hibbard began to 
stir things up, and at 9.15 o'clock, the Troop moved out by fours, 
followed by the President's carriage, drawn by four white horses, 
accompanied by several carriages with other distinguished guests. 
After getting the column fairly into the street, the order was given 
to trot, and then commenced such a ride as none of us had seen 
since "Early went flying up the Valley." The boys appreciated 
their opportunity, and were determined to show Comrade Harri- 
son that the days of '61 and '65 were not entirely forgotten. No 
halts were allowed, and, promptly at 9.45 o'clock, the boys landed 
the Presidential party at the Home, with every horse smoking and 
nobody hurt. Twenty-eight mounted men and six carriages, five 
miles in thirty minutes, over a country road, — we had saved our 
reputation and our "wagon train," and had a repetition of old 
experiences, that many of us will not again enjoy, and none of 
us will forget. 

The Post was immediately placed in the column as escort for 
General Greenleaf, commanding the parade, and held that position 
during the march, receiving a smile of recognition, and a bow from 
The President while passing the Grand Stand. 

' This Centennial occasion will long be remembered, as a " red- 
letter day," by the Comrades of John A. Logan Post. 

Grand Army of the Republic. — Manifestly a celebration that 
did not include the G. A. R., would have been an anomaly in his- 
tory. The Revolutionary Fathers founded the Republic, and the 
Union Army saved it from destruction. An early invitation was 
forwarded to the Department of Vermont, and the Order was 
further honored in that its Commander-in-Chief, General Wheelock 
G. Veazey, was selected for President of the Day. Department 
Commander D. L. Morgan issued the following : 

Grand Army of the Republic, 
Headquarters, Department of Vermont, 
Rutland, July 24, 1891. 
General Order Number Nine. 

A cordial invitation to participate in the parade at Benning- 
ton, August 19th, at the celebration of the hundredth anniversary 
of Vermont's Admission to the Union and the Dedication of the 
Bennington Battle Monument, having been extended by His Excel- 
lency, Governor Carroll S. Page, and accepted for the Department 
by the Commander, it is therefore earnestly requested of the Officers 
and Comrades of the various Posts that they at once begin prepara- 
tion to be present on that occasion with full ranks. 

Every Comrade possible should appear in the Grand Army of 



THE A UXILIAJi Y E VENTS. 163 

the Republic uniform of blue, with hat and cord, white gloves, 
wearing his badge upon his breast and a sprig of cedar in his hat. 

It is suggested w^here Posts can send delegates only that they 
be consolidated with adjacent Posts, but in every case they should 
bring the colors. # # # 

The Aides-de-Camp, on the Departaient Staff, except such as 
may be specified for duty with the column, are hereby detailed as a 
Body Guard to our Comrade, President Benjamin Harrison, and 
will report as soon as possible to Comrade John S. Drennau, Chief 
of Staff, Hardwick, Yt., stating whether they will be present and in 
full uniform or not. * * ^ 
By Command of 

D. L. Morgan, Department Commander. 
(Official.) 

C. C. KixsiiAX, Assistant-Adjutant- General. 

The response to this order was one of enthusiasm, as the reader 
will note by the mention made of Veterans throughout this volume. 
While a large proportion of the 625 who participated in the Grand 
Procession came to town on early trains the 19th, yet over 200 were 
here, arriving Monday and Tuesday, remaining until Thursday. 
Department Commander Morgan established headquarters on the 
Soldiers' Home grounds, and the Veteran Encampment occupied 
the attractive street of tents situated to the Xorth of the Home, 
near the site of the Pyrotechnic display. The large body of Union 
Veterans, participating in the parade, attracted marked attention, 
and, with their Mounted Post (above), stood second in interest to 
none other organization represented. 

Sons of the American' Revolution. — One of the most nota- 
ble gatherings in Bennington, during Centennial Week, was the 
Annual Meeting of the Vermont Society of the Sons of the American 
Revolution, Tuesday afternoon, August 18th. This Society took a 
prominent part in the Celebration of Vermont, and, also, in the 
Dedication of the Battle Monument. The State Society established 
headquarters on the Soldiers' Home grounds, Monday, in a canvas 
pavilion, 25x50 feet in size, furnished with chairs, tables, and cots, 
and it was frequently resorted to by the visiting Sons. The main 
entrance was handsomely decorated with the National S. A. R. 
Coat-of- Arms ; above it the words : " Vermont Society," while below 
was a banner bearing the title: "Sons of the American Revolu- 
tion." Before the tent, daily, were displayed the flags belonging to 
the Society, and described more fully on pages 134, 135. These 
headquarters were established Monday, as stated, and continued 
through the week. The site assigned was in front of the Home 
building, near the fountain, and contiguous to the Government 
headquarters. It served the intended purpose admirably. 



164 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

The officers, and most of the members of the Vermont Society, 
were in Bennington on August 19th. The National Society was 
represented by President- General William Seward Webb, and other 
officers, and by many officers and members of State Societies. This 
is shown more fully by the Roster below. This Society was highly 
honored in that its President-General was selected, as special Aide- 
de-Camp, to attend President Harrison, and the Vermont Society by 
the fact that he was a member thereof. The Society of the Sons of 
the American Revolution was fittingly recognized, by the Centen- 
nial Commission, in the exercises of the Celebration. The visiting 
members, to the number of 75, formed a separate division, and were 
assigned by General Greenleaf, Chief Marshal, to a position of 
honor in the Grand Procession, — marching as a part of the escort 
to the captured British cannon. The S. A. R. division colors were 
borne by Colonel Wm. A. Crombie, and Mr. Daniel W. Robinson, of 
Burlington, who carried the two new, and beautiful silk flags of the 
Vermont Society, at the head of its line. (See pages 72, and 145.) 

The Annual Meeting of the Vermont Society was called to 
order by Major A. B. Valentine, who, in a brief speech, welcomed 
the representatives of the National Society. He stated the plans of 
the State Society, regarding parade and banquet, and tendered 
all the freedom of the headquarters. The State Society then elected 
the following officers for the ensuing year : President, John G. 
McCullough, North Bennington ; Vice-President, H. Henry Powers, 
Morrisville ; Secretary, Charles S. Forbes, St. Albans; Treasurer, 
Milton K. Paine, Windsor; Registrar, 'Henry L. Stillson, Benning- 
ton; Historian, G. Grenville Benedict, Burlington; Chaplain, Rev. 
Lucius M. Hardy, Burlington ; Ex-Lieu tenant- Governor L^rban A. 
Woodbury, of Burlington, Chairman Board of Managers, seven in 
number. 

It will be noted, below, that ex- Vice-President-General Wm. O. 
McDowell, of the National Society (accompanied by his daughter), 
was present during the 19th, and participated in the parade. Mr. 
McDowell was chairman of the committee that " nationalized " the 
work in connection with the " Statue of Liberty Enlightening the 
World," in New York harbor, and afterward invited a few of his 
iellow laborers to come together and organize a New Jersey Society. 
At this meeting a resolution was introduced inviting the associa- 
tions in New York and Philadelphia to join them in an organization 
(of the descendants of the men who served in the War of the 
American Revolution), to send delegates to a meeting to be held in 
the " Long Room of Fraunces's Tavern," on the Centennial Day of 
the inauguration of George Washington, as the First President of 



THE A UXILIAR Y EVENTS. 165 

the United States. In sending this invitation Mr. McDowell wrote 
to the Governor of every State, asking the use of the Senate Cham- 
ber as the meeting place for the organization of societies made up of 
such descendants. The Governor of Vermont responded, at once, 
by the appointment of a committee, of which Adjutant-General 
Peck was one, to wait upon Mr. McDowell for instructions. They 
did, and the result was an organization of the Vermont Society of 
the Sons of the American Revolution. This historic statement may 
be of interest in connection with the Vermont Society's reception 
and entertainment of the gentlemen named below. 

The Sons of the American Revolution showed up finely in the 
parade, with Major A. B. Valentine as Chief Marshal, and Colonel 
Scott, Captain Safford, and Colonel Paine, as Aides. Colonel Scott 
formed the column at " Camp Vermont," previous to the start, the 
"Sons" numbering 100 (including the officers of the Xational 
organization, and representatives from Rhode Island, ]Sew Hamp- 
shire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut who rode in carriages). The 
venerable Colonel Pierce, of Rhode Island, who personally knew 
and remembered General Stark, was present and had with him, on 
this occasion, a powder-horn, which his father captured from a 
Hessian whom he had shot at the Battle of Bennington. 

The representatives of the several State Societies, Sons of 
the American Revolution, met at the Soldiers' Home after the cere- 
monies, and Hon. Edwin S. Barrett, of Massachusetts, was elected 
President, and Hon. Luther L. Tarbell, of the Massachusetts Society, 
Secretary. The meeting voted to prepare a testimonial to be pre- 
sented the Vermont Society for the hospitality extended during 
their ^i.sit. 

This volume, in this department, is enriched by the contribu- 
tions of the Hon. Charles E. Staniels, of Concord, X. H. ; the Hon. 
Edwin S. Barrett, of Concord, Mass., and Hon. Henry Hall, of New 
York, Historian-General. The valuable papers of the first two, relat- 
ing to their respective States, and the complete Roster, given by the 
latter, are of permanent interest, and, as such, will be highly 
appreciated by the reader, as follows : 

The Neiu Hampshire Society at Bennington. — Xew Hamphire's 
second historical participation at Bennington, was in strong contrast 
to the conditions and circumstances surrounding and influencing 
that body, of sturdy pioneers, whose patriotism under their chosen 
leader, the gallant and independent Stark, led to results which, it is 
conceded, would have been materially changed had Burgoyne's 
attempt to capture the stores at Bennington been met by less 
vigorous measures, in 1777. 

The representation of JSTew Hampshire at Bennington, in 1891, 
was of peaceful import, and was the result of an invitation issued by 



166 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

the State of Vermont, through her Chief Magistrate, Governor 
Carroll S. Page, to join in the dedicatory ceremonies, by which the 
Bennington Battle Monument was to become the property of the 
State of Vermont, through the loyal officers of an Association, of 
which ex-Governor Benjamin F. Prescott, one of New Hampshire's 
honored sons, was President. Of the various New Hampshire 
organizations, represented, the Sons of the American Revolution, of 
this State, have reason to be proud of their participation in the 
attendant ceremonies, not only as recognized lineal descendants of 
the heroes of one of the decisive battles of the American Revolu- 
tion, but from the fact that of the delegation, present, were the 
nearest living relatives of the noted leader, whose loyalty to his 
country was second to none, and whose sturdy patriotism, recogiz- 
ing no obstacle, inspired his followers to deeds of heroism. One of 
the important duties, devolving upon the New Hampshire Society, 
was the escort of a portrait of General Stark, by Tenney, which by 
the indefatigable efforts of its President, Hon. George "C. Gilmore, 
had been secured for the occasion, from the original sketch, by Miss 
Hannah Crowninshield, of Salem, Mass., in 1810. This portrait was 
procured by the Sate of New Hampshire, being provided for by a 
special appropriation of the Legislature, and placed in charge of 
ex-Governor Benjamin F. Prescott and Hon. George C. Gilmore, as 
an authorized committee, by the Governor and Council. (A fine 
reproduction of this painting is one of the illustrations of this 
volume.) With this party, also, was, perhaps, the most cherished 
relic of the day, a portion of the battle-flag of Stark, that he had 
used upon the battlefield, which the Monument overlooks, one 
hundred and fourteen years before, and which is now in the pos- 
session of his descendants. 

The New Hampshire Society, upon receiving a general invita- 
tion from the State of Vermont, took early action, by appointing a 
committee consisting of Charles E. Staniels, John C. Ordway and 
Rev. C. L. Tappan, the Secretary, to perfect an organized represen- 
tation at the coming celebration. The labors of this committee 
were materially lessened by the courtesy of the Governor of Ver- 
mont, who honored the Society' with a special invitation to avail 
themselves of " Special privileges as the descendants of the men 
who fought with Stark." 

Among the delegation of thirty, occupying a commodious Wag- 
ner car, were Hon. George C. Gilmore, of Manchester, who has done 
more than any other historian to assert, and substantiate the claims 
of New Hampshire at Bunker Hill and Bennington ; Mr. Augustus 
H. Stark, Miss Elisabeth P. Stark, Miss Eleanor Gamble, great- 
grand-children of General Stark, Mrs. Jennie A. Osborne, a great- 
great-grandchild of the General, and Hon. H. K. Slayton, all of 
Manchester ; Hon. John Kimball, Hon. John C. Linnehan, Hon. 
John C. Ordway, Rev. C. L. Tappan, Chas. E. Staniels, and Miss 
Mabel R. Staniels, of Concord ; Hon. Alvin Burleigh, of Plymouth ; 
General H. B. Titus, of New York City, and Dr. J. C. Eastman, of 
Hampstead, N. H. During the stay of the delegation at Benning- 
ton, every courtesy was extended, and every facility furnished to 
make the visit as pleasant as possible, and the Society is under last- 



( 



THE A UXIZIAR Y E VENTS. 167 

ing obligations to Governor Page, Adjutant-General Peck, and 
others of the Staff, for their unwearying exertions in its behalf. 

The Massachusetts Society. — The Massachusetts Society of the 
Sons of the American Revolution, were represented at Bennington 
August 19th, last, on the occasion of the Dedication of the Battle 
Monument, by its President, Edwin S. Barrett, of Concord, and 
about forty members, including two men whose fathers fought at 
Bennington, viz. : John McClure, of Revere, and Joseph Hill, of 
Hyde Park, and both of these gentlemen were in their eighty-ninth 
year. Still another veteran was Dr. David Thayer, of Boston, with 
seventy-eight years to his credit ; also, our Registrar, Luther L. Tar- 
bell, of Marlboro, whose father experienced the sufferings at Valley 
Forge with Washington. These ow7i Sons of the Revolution (this 
State Society has 27 such in membership), came with special pride 
to Bennington, to take part in the Dedication of the noble Monu- 
ment, and with hearty zeal made the all-night journey, not fearing 
fatigue or sickness, impelled by the tender recollections of the past, 
and the patriotism of a ripe old age. President Barrett is the great- 
great-grandson of Colonel James Barrett, who commanded the 
Americans at Concord-Fight April 19, 1775, " When was made the 
first forcible resistance to British aggression," and his home in Con- 
cord is on the original battlefield where his grandfather commanded. 

Among our number were lineal descendants of the Pilgrims 
and the Puritans, whose instincts were on the side of liberty of con- 
science, and against personal oppression. There were, also, sons 
and grandsons of the Minute-Men of Lexington, and Concord- 
Bridge, the latter place immortalized by Emerson, as the spot, 
— " Where the shot was fired heard round the world." 

The Sons of the American Revolution have a special work to 
perform, that of urging, upon the Original Thirteen States, the duty 
of commemorating, by suitable monuments or tablets, the various 
battlefields of the Revolution, which will remain a lasting tribute to 
the participants therein, and a liberty-loving education to the youth 
of our land. 

The Massachusetts Society of the Sons of the American Revolu- 
tion was founded April 19, 1889, and has upon its rolls the names 
of more than five hundred members, with constant accessions. 
The annual meeting is held on the 19th of April, and the Fall field 
day on the 19th of October, the anniversary of the beginning, and 
the ending of the Revolutionary War. After the first conflict, 
Massachusetts soon rid herself of the English soldiery, and on the 
17th of March, 1776, — about eleven months after Lexington and 
Concord, — the British fleet sailed out of Boston harbor, and Massa- 
chusetts' soil was free forever from the heel of the op^Dressor. But 
her sons were on every battlefield of the Revolution, and, through 
seven long and weary years, she gave her men, and her money with 
patriotic devotion to the cause of liberty. 

It is a matter of public interest to know the number of troops 
enlisted during the Revolutionary War, 1775 to 1783, including 
Continental soldiers and militia from the Original Thirteen States, 
as compiled from the report of the Secretary of War May 10, 1790. 
It will be remarked that the figures, showing " population and per- 



168 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

centage," are based on the census of 1790, seven years after the 
close of the war, but this was the first census taken that is relia- 
ble for data, and the relative change in the population during these 
seven years. would not affect the computation : 

Soldiers Per ct. of Popu- 
State. Population, Furnished, lation as Soldiers. 

1. Massachusetts ...378,787. 92,562. 24. 

2. Virginia 747,610. 52,715. 7. 

3. Connecticut 237,946. 42,831. 18. 

4. Pennsylvania 434,373. 34,965. 8. 

5. South Carolina 249,043. 31,358. 12. 

6. New York 340,120. 29,843. 8. 

7. Maryland . 319,728. 23,476. 7. 

8. North Carolina 393,751. 21,969. 5. 

9. New Jersey 184,139. 19,282. 10. 

10. New Hampshire 141,885. 18,289. 12. 

11. Georgia 82,548. 12,579. 15. 

12. Rhode Island 68,825. 11,692. 16. 

13. Delaware... 59,096. 3,763. 6. 

The Roster of Accredited JRepresentatims. — From the National 

Society, Sons of the American Revolution. — Dr. William Seward 
Webb, President-General, of Shelburne, Vermont ; General John G. 
McCullough, of North Bennington, Vermont ; Hon. Lucius P. Dem- 
ing, of New Haven, Connecticut; Hon. Henry M. Shepard, of 
Chicago, Illinois ; Alfred Stone, of Providence, Rhode Island ; Gen- 
eral Bradley T. Johnson, and Captain H. P. Goddard, of Baltimore, 
Maryland ; Hon. Albert Edgerton, of St. Paul, Minnesota ; John E. 
DeWitt, of Portland, Maine ; Hon. Robert S. Green, of Elizabeth, 
and Josiah C. Pumpelly, of Morristown, New Jersey ; W. H. 
Brearley, of Detroit, Michigan ; Hon. Edwin S. Barrett, of Concord, 
Massachusetts ; Hon. H. W. Bruce, of Louisville, Kentucky ; George 
C. Gilmore, of Manchester, New Hampshire ; A. J. Woodman, of 
Wilmington, Delaware ; Rear-Admiral John L. Worden, U. S. N., 
of Washington, District of Columbia ; Hon. Wm. Wirt Henry, of 
Richmond, Virginia ; Colonel Thomas M. Anderson, U. S. A., of 
Oregon ; General Alexander S. Webb, and Henry Hall, of New York 
City; Colonel Samuel W. Williams, of Little Rock, Arkansas; 
Major-General Alexander S. Webb, Alexander S. Webb, Jr., and 
William Remsen Webb, of New York. 

From the New Jersey Society, Sons of the American Revolu- 
tion. — Peter B. Fairchild, Henry E. Hatfield, Major William W. 
Morris, J. Lawrence Boggs, Jr., General William S. Stryker, George 
Wolcott Hubbell, Rev. Henry G. Smith, Clifford Stanley Sims, Dr. 
E. Hammond Doty, Hon. George A. Halsey, Appleton Morgan, Paul 
Revere, Colonel H. R. McElliott, General James F. Rusling, and 
Mr. Wm. O. McDowell (the latter was accompanied by his daugh- 
ter, of the Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution). 



THE A UXILIAB Y E VENTS. 169 

From the District of Columbia Society, Sons of the American 
Revolution. — Levi P. Morton, Vice-President of the United States ; 
Hon. Redfield Proctor, Secretary of War; General F. G. Butterfield, 
General H. Y. Boynton, Genei-al J. C. Breckinridge, Colonel Mar- 
shall McDonald, Colonel Myron M. Parker, Dr. Geo. Brown Goode, 
and A. Howard Clarke. 

From the California Society, Sons of the American Revolution . 
— Captain Frank K. Upham, U. S. A. 

From the Indiana Society, Sons of the American Revolution. — 
Hon. William H. English, of Indianapolis, and Newland T. dePauw, 
of New Albany. 

From the Massachusetts Society, Sons of the American Revo- 
lution. — Hon. Edwin S. Barrett, of Concord; Charles M. Green, M. 
D., of Boston; S. D. Salmon, of Somerville ; Captain Nathan Apple- 
ton, H. D. Warren, H. V. Thayer, W. M. Buffum, and Edward S. 
Newton, of Boston; H. M. Chase, of Dorchester; B. S. Moulton, 
of Charlestown ; Moses P. Palmer, of Groton ; Charles H. Buss, 
of Woburn ; F. W. Hale, of Rockbottom; Irving Hall, George O. 
Smith, and Nathan D. Harrington, of Somerville ; George H. Cot- 
ting, Hudson; Luther L. Tarbell, of Marlboro; J. S. Orne, and 
John C. Hovey, Cambridge ; R. L. Reed, Acton ; N. L. Kendall, 
Boylston ; John McClure, 88 years of age, son of a soldier who 
fought at Bennington ; Joseph Hill, Hyde Park, 88 years of age, 
son of a soldier who fought at Bennington ; John M. Rawson, East 
Douglas ; Robert Elliott, of Somerville ; Waldo Tuttle, of Acton ; 
and David Thayer, M. D., Boston. 

From the Rhode Island Society, Sons of the American Revo- 
lution. — Alfred Stone, President ; Hon. Amasa M. Eaton, the Rev. 
Edward O. Bartlett, and George Humphrey. 

The following members of the Vermont Society, Sons of the 
American Revolution, were present at the celebration : Hon. Red- 
field Proctor, Secretary of War of the United States, President; 
General John G. McCuUough, of North Bennington, Vice-President ; 
Colonel Charles S. Forbes, of St. Albans, Secretary ; Colonel Milton 
K. Paine, Windsor, Treasurer ; Henry Leonard Stillson, Penning, 
ton. Registrar; Hon. George G. Benedict, Burlington, Historian; 
Rev. Lucius M. Hardy, Burlington, Chaplain ; Hon. Carroll S. Page, 
Governor of Vermont ; Hon. Theodore S. Peck, Adjutant- General 
of Vermont; General William Wells, ex- Lieutenant- Governor U. A. 
Woodbury, D. W. Robinson, Colonel B. B. Smalley, Colonel Wil- 
liam A. Crombie, A. E. Richardson, Hon. C. W. Brownell, Jr., 
General William W. Henry, J. S. Pierson, Prof. S. W. Landon, Hon. 
Robert Roberts, Henry W. Hall, H. L. Walker, and E. B. Taft, of 



170 DEBICATIOU AND CENTENNIAL. 

Burlington; Hon. B. F. Fifield, Hon. H. A. Huse, T. C. Phinney, 
Captain D. F. Long, Thomas L. Wood, S. D. Clark, of Montpelier ; 
Hon. J. W. Stewart, ex-Member of Congress, PTenry L. Sheldon, of 
Middlebury; Hon. W. H. DuBois, Colonel R. J. Kimball, of West 
E-andolph ; ex-Governor Roswell Farnham, of Bradford ; General 
William W. Grout, Member of Congress ; E. W. Thompson, of Bar- 
ton; Major H. H. Baxter, S. H. Kellogg, and Rockwood Barrett, of 
Rutland; Hon. H. H. Powers, Member of Congress, of Morrisville; 
A. S. Burbank, of Cavendish; Hon. Cassius Peck, of Brookfield ; 
Colonel F. D. Proctor, of Proctor ; Major A. B. Valentine, Dr. J. 
T. Shurtleff, Colonel Olin Scott, H. D. Fillmore, Hon. G. W. Harman, 
William E. Hawks, A. J. Dewey, George A. Robinson, E. J. Hall, H. 
S. Bingham, E. L. Bates, H. T. Cushman, E. L. Norton, William B. 
Sheldon, Hon. L. P. Norton, Rev. M. L. Severance, Colonel L. F. 
Abbott, C. H. Cone, Rev. Wm. B. Walker, Rev. Chas. R. Seymour, 
Alfred Robinson, Hon. Henry G. Root, Hon. John V. Carney, and 
Dr. E. B. Daley, of Bennington ; Colonel H. F. Brigham, of Bakers- 
field; Colonel L. O. Greene, of Woodstock; ex-Lieutenant- Governor 
L. K. Fuller, Colonel H. E. Taylor, George A. Hines, and Colonel 
Julius J. Estey, of Brattleboro ; Colonel Z. M. Mansur, of Island 
Pond; Colonel H. O. Clark, of Milton; General F. E. Alfred, of 
Newport ; R. M. Colburn, of Springfield ; Hon. M. H. Deming, and 
E. C. Woodworth, of Arlington ; F. B. Jennings, and Henry D. 
Hall, of North Bennington; Colonel E. A. Chittenden, Colonel 
Alfred A. Hall, and Frank L. Greene, of St. Albans ; Captain H. S. 
Foster, U. S. A., of North Calais ; Hon. N. W. Fiske, of Isle 
laMotte ; Hon. H. G. Hibbard, of Orwell ; Surgeon Henry Janes, of 
Waterbury ; Colonel E. Henry Powell, of Richford ; Justin Kellogg, 
of Troy, N. Y. ; E. W. Jewett, of S wanton ; Eben P. Colton, of 
Irasburgh; John L. Burdette, of New York City; Rev. E. J. 
Walker, of Springfield, Illinois ; Colonel M. J. Horton, of Poultney, 
and J. B. Hollister, of Pittsford. 

From the New Hampshire Society, Sons of the American Revo- 
lution. — Geo. C. Gilmore, of Manchester, President ; John Ballard, 
Reuben C. Danforth, Sumner A. Dow, David Webster, John C. 
Ordway, Charles E. Staniels, Mabel R. Staniels, John Kimball, 
Clarkson Dearborn, Charles Langdon Tappan, of Concord ; James 
Mitchell, Augustus H. Stark, Edith Furbish Stark, Elisabeth P. B. 
Stark, Eleanor Gamble (a Stark), and Hon. Hiram K. Slayton, of 
Manchester ; Orlando Bowman, of Cambridgeport, Mass. ; Josiah C. 
Eastman, of Hampstead ; and, as guests of the Society, the follow- 
ing : Charles Nutting, and Hon. John C. Linnehan, of Concord; 
General Herbert B. Titus, of New York City; Joseph Rowell, and 



THE A UXILIAR T E VENTS. 171 

Jennie A. Osborne (the latter a Stark), of Manchester ; Hon. Alvah 
B. Burleigh, and D. Paul Burleigh, of Plymouth; Rev. R. C. Drisko, 
of East Derry, and H. W. Forbush, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

MooDus Drum Corps. — Considerable attention was attracted 
by the Moodus Drum Corps, of Hartford, Conn., during the Centen- 
nial. They were in Continental dress, and their drums were of the 
ancient, deep ]3attern, every one about as large as the bass drum of 
to-day. The bass drums were played with two sticks. There were 
fifteen in the corps, and as they marched down the street the com- 
plimentary remarks were many. Their music could be plainly 
heard for a long distance, and would have aroused martial sensations 
in a stone post. If this was a fair sample, the Continental army 
marched to inspiring music. 

Xew Hampshire at the Cextexnial. — Governor Tuttle was 
most liberal in the preparation for the representatives of his State 
at the Celebration. In addition to the detail of three companies of 
the Xew Hampshire Xational Guard, one from each regiment, and 
the Governor's special escort, the Amoskeag Veterans, over a hun- 
dred strong, invitations were issued by him to many prominent 
gentlemen throughout the State, the following being accepted : 
Hon. James Farrington, Hon. Henry B. Quimby, Hon. George A. 
Ramsdell, Hon. John M. Whipple," and Hon. Edwin C. Lewis, who 
compose the Governor's Executive Council ; Hon. Jacob D. Gallin- 
ger. United States Senator ; Hon. Ezra Stearns, Secretary of State; 
Hon. Solon A. Carter, State Treasurer ; Orrin W. Tebbetts, Esq., — 
and the following named members of the Board of Managers of the 
New Hampshire Soldiers' Home : Colonel Daniel Hall, Colonel 
Thomas P. Cheney, Everett B. Huse, Rev. James K. Ewer. Repre- 
sentatives of some of the leading newspapers, also, accompanied 
the party. 

Brigadier-General Joab X. Patterson, commanding First Brig- 
ade, Xew Hampshire Xational Guard, and Staff, were invited to 
accompany the Governor's party, and the names of those present 
appear in the roster of the military from the State. Governor Tut- 
tle, nearly all the members of his Staff, and the gentlemen of the 
Governor's Council, were accompanied by ladies. 

Some thirty members of the Xew Hampshire Society, of the 
Sons of the American Revolution, were present, having chartered a 
special car, which was attached to the Governor's train. 

The entire delegation, from Xew Hampshire, numbered about 
four hundred. This was one of the first to arrive in Bennington. 
The story of the trip is told, by a newspaper correspondent, in 
these words : 



172 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

" The New Hampshire delegation left Concord at 9.30 o'clock, 
A. M., the 18th, in a special train consisting of 15 cars, including the 
drawing room and Wagner coaches. The Staff of the First Brigade 
and the Third Regiment Band escorted Captain Trenoweth's Com- 
pany of the State National Guard, from their headquarters to the 
railway station. Much interest was manifested in the Capital City, 
in relation to the excursion to Bennington, and a large number of 
people gathered at the station to witness their departure. A quick 
run was made to Manchester, where the military from that city, 
selected to go to Bennington, were in readiness to go on board. The 
grave of General Stark, in the Northerly part of Manchester, was 
plainly visible from the train and attracted the attention of those' on 
board. The plain monument could be seen, and above it waved, 
from a staff, the American colors. The Lafayette Guards, of Man- 
chester, were escorted to the station by the Amoskeag Veterans, 
who were accompanied by Rublee's Band, of Lake Village. The 
march of these companies to the station elicited much enthusiasm, 
the sidewalks being filled with spectators, and a large crowd assem- 
bled about the depot. The justly celebrated Amoskeag Veterans 
turned out with full ranks, and never before made so fine an appear- 
ance. They received an almost continuous ovation on their way 
from their headquarters to the station. Their Commander, Major 
Charles H. Bartlett, who also has the rank of Brigadier-General on 
the Staff' of Governor Tuttle, before stepping into the train received 
many personal compliments for the fine showing and excellent 
marching of his command. One, of the cars taken by the Veterans, 
bore on a large canvas streamer this inscription, in large black let- 
ters : ' Amoskeag Veterans on their way to Bennington.' 

" At Manchester, Governor Tuttle and wife, and a large number 
of distinguished military and civilians joined the party. 

" The train then proceeded to Nashua, where it was divided 
into two sections, one following the other within ten minutes. The 
route was by the Acton Line, the Fitchburg and Hoosac Tunnel. 
The first section carried the Amoskeag Veterans, and the New 
Hampshire Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. The 
train made but few stops, but at nearly all of them there were 
crowds assembled, and in several instances there were calls for Gov- 
ernor Tuttle, who, however, did not speak, but bowed his acknowl- 
edgments. Dinner was served on the train. The larger portion of 
the trip was made interesting by the approach toward the historic 
ground of Bennington. After leaving White Creek all were anxious 
to obtain, as soon as possible, a glimpse of the Monument. The two 
sections of the train arrived about 7 o'clock, in the evening. When 
the second section stopped in front of Camp Vermont, the Amoskeag 
Veterans were drawn up in line with arms presented, and, as Gov- 
ernor Tuttle stepped from his car, Rublee's Band played : ' Hail to 
the Chief.' Governor Tuttle was escorted to his headquarters, 
where he held an informal reception during the evening." 

Massachusetts Delegation's AfiRivAL. — The Boston special, 
over the Fitchburg Line, arrived in Bennington about one hour late. 
The party consisted of His Excellency, Wm. E. Russell, Governor of 
the Commonwealth, and the officials named on page 65. They left 




GENERAL STARK. 
The Statue erected at Concord, by the State of New Hampshire, in honor of the hero of Bennington Battle. 



THE A UXILIAR Y E VENTS. 173 

Boston, in a vestibuled train of palace coaches, with commissary car 
attached, at 5.30 P. M., August 18th. Crowds gathered at several 
stations, along the route, to see Governor Russell and the other 
representatives of Massachusetts. At Fitchburg, Athol, and North 
Adams, the Governor, in response to the cheers of the assembled 
crowds, appeared on the platform of his car, and shook hands with 
the people. He made brief addresses at those places. The train 
rolled into Bennington shortly after midnight, and was run on to a 
siding near the Soldiers' Home grounds, and adjacent to the tracks 
occupied by the cars containing the New Hampshire military and 
civic contingent, and " The K. T. Train." When these palace car 
trains were all in position, that part of the town was a " small city " 
of coaches ; and formed no inconsiderable portion of the '•'■four 
solid miles of passenger coaches/' massed in and about Bennington 
station. 

ExcHAXGE OF CouRTESiES. — Under the title of " The Camp- 
Fire Blazed," a correspondent, who accompanied the Massachusetts 
party, gave the following account at the time : 

The banquet, in the two tents near the Soldier^ Home, was the 
only occasion during the Celebration when Governor Russell spoke 
in his official capacity as a representative of Massachusetts, and the 
verdict of his auditors was that he T\'as a fitting representative for 
the Commonwealth. He spoke in his happiest vein and was enthu- 
siastically received. 

When the carriages returned from the exercises at the Monu- 
ment, they were driven to the Soldiers' Home, which was used as 
headquarters, and an opportunity was then given for an exchange 
of courtesies between the Massachusetts and New Hampshire delega- 
tions, and President Harrison and Governor Page. This was of an 
informal nature and lasted but a few minutes. 

The rest of the day and evening, after the banquet, the mem- 
bers of the delegation, in small parties, passed in sight-seeing and 
calling on the acquaintances that were found everywhere. 

The Vermont Veterans of Boston, came in for a good share of 
attention, and the Amoskeag Veterans were hospitality itself. 

The Executive Council, that supposedlj^ sedate and dignified 
body, indulged in a good deal of good-natured chaff. Councillor 
Flynn, the lone Roman of that body of the Governor's advisers, was 
made the target while the parade was passing on Main street. 

A broad lawn, near where the carriages were stationed in wait- 
ing, seemed to offer a chance for sight-seeing, and Governor Russell 
received from the owner an invitation to occupy it furnishing chairs 
for most of the party. The Council was seated in a row, with Mr. 
Flynn, by accident, on the extreme left, when a voice came from the 
other end of the line : 

"That's very appropriate, Flynn, you generally are left." 

His answer turned the laugh, as he said : 

" Perhaps so ; I am generally right and generally left, both." 



174 DEDICATION^ AND CENTENNIAL. 

Governor Russell after supper paid a few calls, Governor Page 
being the first one visited. Then he called upon a number of the 
Vermont National Guard officers. 

A little later in the evening, an interesting group was formed 
in front of the tent of the commanding officer of the battery of the 
4th United States Artillery. Major Gushing, its commander, had 
a bright camp-fire blazing, and here six or eight were gathered 
with his lieutenant, Mr. Anderson, Adjutant-General Dal ton and 
others of the Massachusetts Staff officers. 

The moon had just risen at their backs, and the evening was 
as perfect as could be desired, just cool enough to make the warmth 
from the fire welcome. 

As soon as Governor Russell arrived, the circle was widened, 
and some more logs thrown on the fire. For half an hour stories 
were in order, and then the Governor was called away. 

Just then General Corcoran appeared, and a new round of 
story-telling was begun. 

The Amoskeag Veterans were bent upon giving Governor 
Russell a send off, and for an hour tried to get their band together. 
But it was nearly midnight before they were ready, and then, when 
it was proposed to give a serenade, in front of the Massachusetts 
train, it was decided that, as half of its occupants had already 
retired, it had best be given up. 

The Massachusetts train started for home at 3.15 o'clock, A. M., 
of the 20th. 

Presentation in Camp Vermont. — Monday evening was 
marked by a presentation by Company F, of Northfield, winners in 
the morning rifle contest, on the 17th, of a gold star badge, G. A. R., 
to Generals Greenleaf and Peck. They were escorted to the mess, 
and after grace by the Chaplain and the banquet disposed of, these 
tokens of respect were presented by Chaplain Hill in a congratula- 
tory speech. He characterized these gentlemen as grandfathers of 
the National Guard, because of their long and faithful service in the 
militia of this State. The speaker referred to General Peck's well 
known popularity and efficient services as a State Officer. He 
wittily spoke of General Greenleaf as having been Colouel of a 
regiment that was now " whole cob," and that it was a great con- 
venience to be in camp with so many ex-Governors as were present 
on this occasion. He spoke particularly of General Greenleaf as 
Commander of the National Guard of Vermont ; and, voicing the 
sentiment of the whole regiment, he emphasized the feeling of regard 
held for both officers, in the presentation of these badges. Suitable 
replies were made by the two gentlemen, in their well known and 
happy manner. The Estey Guard, also, gave an exhibition of fire- 
works, which was viewed by a large number of people. 

Hospitality Extended. — Lunch was served free in Masonic 
Hall, after the Grand Procession arrived at the Monument, to the 




. y, ^^^i^^^^c^A^^ 



THE A UXILIAR T E VENTS. 175 

entire command of Knights Templars, and other Freemasons. 
Nearly 1,000 partook of the hospitality thus courteously extended, 
and did full justice to the boimteous fare, prepared by the Benning- 
ton Fraternity, under the direction of a local Committee of whom 
Past E.-. C.-. G. B. Sibley was Chairman. A Grand Conclave 
of the Grand Commandery of Vermont was opened and closed, 
R.-. E.-. Grand Commander Kittredge Haskins, presiding. While 
this was in progress the Amoskeag Veterans dispensed an abundant 
lunch to a crowd of hungry newspaper men. This courtesy was 
highly appreciated by this hard-worked force. In the evening 
Governor Russell gave them a generous collation, which was, also, 
highly enjoyed. 

The total expense of the Celebration, to the State, was about 
$15,000, in round numbers. 



CHAPTER V. 

Our Guests at the Cextexnial. 

Roll of Guests. — The list, following, of the guests of Ver- 
mont present at the Centennial, does not claim to be inclusive of 
all who came, but the names are such as the Committee on Enter- 
tainment, Henry T. Cushman, Chairman, 2nd, gave out for publication 
at the time, and have since been revised by them for this volume : 

President Harrison ; Secretary Proctor ; General A. S. Webb, 
New York ; Commander E. T. Woodward, Saratoga, N. Y. ; General 
R. A. Alger, Michigan ; General H. A. Barnum, New York ; Gen-' 
eral J. B. Carr, Troy, N. Y. ; Major-General O. O. Howard, U. S. A. ; 
Senator Morrill ; Attorney-General ^Miller ; General C. W. Stevens, 
and F. A. Stillings, New Hampshire; ex- Minister Phelps, Orator of 
the Day; Colonel Veazey, President of the Day; Governor Wm. E. 
Russell, Massachusetts ; Hons. J. M. Whipple, and J. D. Walker, 
New Hampshire ; Governor H. A. Tuttle, New Hampshire ; General 
J. C. Underwood, Commander Patriarchs Militant, I. O. O. F. ; Hon. 
Rodney Wallace, Fitchburg, Mass. ; Colonel Wm. Seward Webb, 
New York ; Colonel D. J. Safford, Augusta, Me. ; Collector Beaird, 
Boston, Mass.; Hod. Geo. A. Ramsdell, New Hampshire; Prof. A. 
J. Huntington, Saratoga, N. Y. ; Hon. B. H. Hall, Troy, N. Y. ; E. 
W. Jester, Delaware; Colonel L. L. Langdon, IJ. S. A.; Private 
Secretary Halford ; ex- Collector Erhardt, New York ; J. H. Fiagg, 
Washington, D. C. ; Colonel Albert Clarke, Secretary Home Market 
Club; Hon. L. E. Chittenden, New York; John Stark Colby, 
Lowell, Mass. ; Major H. C. Gushing, Newport, R. I. ; Hon. M. W. 
Cooper, New York ; Hon. J. B. Crawford, Boston, Mass. ; President 
Carter, Williams College ; Colonel R. L. Elwell, New Hampshire ; 
Hon. F. H. Fleming, North Adams, Mass. ; H. C. Fiske, IJnited 
States Consul to St. Johns, Province of Quebec ; Hon. James Far- 
rington, and Senator Gallinger, New Hampshire; Geo. C. Gilmore, 



176 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

New Hampshire; Hon. E. S. Isham, Chicago ; Lieutenant Johnson, 
West Point, N. Y. ; General John King, President Erie Raih'oad ; 
ex-Governor Stewart, Middlebury, Vt. ; ex-Governor Rice, Boston, 
Mass.; Rev. W. H. Parmly, D.D., Saratoga, N. Y. ; Dr. Charles 
Parkhurst, Chaplain of the Day, Boston, Mass. ; J. Philipp Rinn, 
Architect of the Monument, Boston, Mass. ; Hon. C. S. Randall, 
Massachusetts ; Colonel B. B. Smalley, Hon. A. F. Walker, Vermont ; 
Hon. J. M. Warner, Albany, N. Y. ; ex-Lieutenant-Governor Wood- 
bury, Vermont ; General William Wells, Burlington, Vt. ; General 
W. Y. W. Ripley, Rutland, Vt. ; Hon. N. T. Sprague, Brooklyn, N. 
Y. ; Judges Henry R. Start, and Loveland Munson, Vermont ; Hon. 
A. W. Metcalf, Keene, N. H. ; Congressman Powers, Morrisville, 
Vt. ; ex-Governor Pingree, Hartford, Vt. ; State Auditor Powell, 
Richford, Vt. ; ex-Governor Ormsbee, Brandon, Vt. ; Colonel Alfred 
A. Hall, P. G. M. of Masons, who laid the Corner-stone of the Monu- 
ment; ('olonel Kittredge Haskins, Grand Commander, K. T., of 
Vermont ; General W. W. Henry, and Collector Benedict, Vermont ; 
Hiram Atkins, Montpelier, Vt. ; F. E. Alfred, Judge Advocate-Gen- 
eral, Vermont; ex-Governor Barstow, Colonel D. K. Andross, 
Vermont ; Hon. Wm, H. H. Bingham, Stowe, Vt. ; Hon. Henry 
Ballard, Burhngton, Vt. ; Dr. C. F. Branch, Newport, Vt. ; H. M. 
Arms, Springfield, Vt. ; Colonel P. W. Clement, Rutland, Vt. ; 
Colonel A. E. Clarke, New Hampshire; ex-Governor Dillingham, 
Vermont ; General A. N. Dow, New Hampshire ; ex-Governor Farn- 
ham, Vermont; Colonel Franklin Fairbanks, Vermont; Hon. N. W. 
Fiske, Isle laMotte, Vt. ; Colonel T. C. Fletcher, St. Johnsbury, Vt. ; 
Congressman Grout, Vermont ; Hon. Josiah Grout, Newport, Vt. ; 
Hon. P. K. Gleed, Morrisville, Vt. ; Hon. B. D. Harris, Brattleboro, 
Vt.; Hon. F. G. Field, North Springfield, Vt. ; Colonel Geo. W. 
Hooker, Brattleboro, Vt. ; Hon. E. C. Lewis, New Hampshire; 
Colonel Mansur, Island Pond, Vt.; State Librarian Huse, Mont- 
pelier, Vt. ; Captain H. G. Plibbard, Orwell, Vt. ; Department 
Commander Morgan, G. A. R., Rutland, Vt. ; Hon. L. F. McKinney, 
Colonel F. W. Maynard, Hon. O. C. Moore, New Hampshire ; 
United States District Attorney Plumley, Vermont ; Colonel J. E. 
Pecker, ex-Governor Prescott, President of the Battle Monument 
Association, and Hon. H. A. Quimby, New Hampshire ; Hons. C. 
A. Pouty, Newport, Daniel Roberts, and Robert Roberts, Bur- 
lington, Vt. ; Colonel W. R. Rowell, Massachusetts ; Hon. S. C. 
Shurtleff, and Editor Ropes, Montpelier, Vt. ; Editor Whitney, 
Burlington, Vt. ; Colonel T. O. Seaver, Woodstock, and Hon. W. W. 
Stickney, Ludlow, Vt. ; Colonel G. A. Saunders, New Hampshire ; 
Secretary Watson, of the Vermont Railroad Commission; Hon. C. 
M. Wilds, Middlebury, Vt. ; Hon. O. W. Tebbetts, New Hamp- 
shire ; P. J. Trumpler, Providence, R. I. ; Hon. James T. Robinson, 
North Adams, Mass., and others whose names the Committee did 
not learn. 

Extracts from Letters of Regret, and Acceptance. — From 
a large number of prominent gentlemen, who could not come to 
Bennington ; and, also, from others who were in attendance, Gov- 
ernor Page received congratulatory letters. With the former 



THE A UXILIAli Y E VENTS. 17T 

regrets were expressed, while in the latter cordial acceptances were 
given. In completion of our record we give extracts from several 
letters as follows : 

From Vice-President 3Iorton. — 1 regret to find that I shall be 
unable to avail myself of the invitation, with which I have been 
honored, to be present on so interesting an occasion as that of the 
Dedication of the Bennington Battle Monument, on the 19th, 
instant ; and of the Centennial Celebration of the Admission of my 
native State into the Union. 

From President Bartlett of Dartmouth College. — I regret to say 
that other engagements will render me unable to be present on that 
occasion, so related to the history of Vermont and of the country. 

From Governor Bitrhe of North Pakota. — It would have 
afforded me a great deal of pleasure to be permitted to witness the 
ceremonies of the Centennial Celebration of your State, but the fact 
that the annual session of the Equalization Board of this State (of 
which I am president), begins on the 18th of August, and makes it 
impossible for me to leave the State at that time. 

From Governor Bulkley of Connecticut. — I cannot definitely 
promise, at this time, to be present with you at the Dedication of 
the Bennington Battle Monument. * * * i ^yin^ how- 

ever, communicate with you later. 

From Hon. Reuhen C. Benton of Minneapolis. — It would have 
given me great pleasure to attend a Centennial of Vermont. My 
long absence from the State has increased my regard for it, and has 
given me a larger appreciation of the reputation and character of 
her people. It would have given me special pleasure to attend a 
celebration at Bennington ; for recent investigations have led me 
to accord to that town a rank among the foremost, if not the very 
first, to engage in the struggle for Independence. I regard the con- 
test between the settlers of Vermont, and the ring that surrounded 
the Royal Governor of Xew York, as the commencement of the 
Revolution. There never was any contest between the settlers and 
the people of New York. When the men of Bennington, under the 
lead of the minister of the parish, drove away the commissioners 
sent to make partition of the farm of their neighbor, they com- 
menced a struggle the result of which was the establishment of a 
great Republic. I have come to regard the almost forgotten 
occurrences of that Autumnal day as not only the genesis of a 
State, but the initial contest of the American Revolution. I have 
great regard for the sturdy clergyman whose name stands next to 
the owner of the farm, in the indictment, for Avhat was termed 
the riot of that day. Could I have been present at your celebra- 
tion, I would have been glad to have paid tribute to the memory of 
the Reverend Jedediah Dewey. 

From Governor Boies of Iowa. — I assure you it would give me 
very great pleasure to accept your cordial request, if circumstances 
would permit. I am, however, compelled to forego this pleasure. 

From Governor Burleigh of Maine. — It would give me great 
pleasure to be in attendance upon an occasion so fraught with his- 
toric interest, but the Maine State muster, which occurs at the 
same time, will prevent me from doing so. 



178 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

From Go-oernor Fleming of Florida. — I fully appreciate the 
propriety and benefit of thus perpetuating the memory of the gallant 
deeds of the heroes of the Revolution, and impressing upon pos- 
terity the noble example of heroism furnished by their ancestors, to 
be cherished as a sacred heritage. I wish, indeed, it were possible 
for me to be present at the ceremonies, which I would enjoy exceed- 
ingly, besides the pleasure of meeting you and other distinguished 
persons ayIio will be there ; but I regret to say that my public 
duties will deprive me of that pleasure. 

From Go-oernor Fifer of Illinois. — I have promised to visit 
Gettysburg on the 1st of September, next, and take part in the 
dedication of the Illinois monuments on that battlefield. This 
engagement will prevent an acceptance of your invitation, as my 
time will not permit of two trips to the East so near together. 

From Chief Justice Fuller of the United States Supreme Court. 
— I beg to acknowledge the invitation to attend the Dedication of 
the Bennington Monument, and the Centennial Celebration of the 
Admission of Vermont, at Bennington, on the 19th, which I have 
just found on my return from the West, and to express my sincere 
regret at my inal3ility to be present on that interesting occasion. 

From Governor Eagle of Arka7(sas. — I assure you that the 
invitation is fully appreciated, and I wish it were possible for me to 
accept ; but have just returned from a week's visit in Kentucky, 
and official duties will prevent my being from home again at as 
early a date as August 19th. 

From General Charles W. Darling. — The Oneida, [N. Y.], 
Historical Society sends patriotic greetings to the descendants of 
the " Green Mountain Boys," and wish their celebration, to-morrow, 
all the enthusiasm and majestic proportions possible. The celebra- 
tion is a double one, for the stirring events of August 16, 1777, 
occurred just the day before General Herkimer died at his home in 
Danube, from the wound he received at the battle of Oriskany. 
Bennington and Oriskany changed the entire front of a situation 
that was growing very dark for the American cause. Burg03^ne 
never reached Howe, and in a few weeks more he was forced to sur- 
render. The capture of Ticonderoga by General Burgoyne, did not 
enable him to cut off New England from the rest of the Colonies by 
uniting with Lord Howe on the Lower Hudson. When he sent 
Colonel Baum with 1,000 Hessians, to capture a military store-house 
on the very site of the Monument, which is now unveiled and dedi- 
cated, they were met by Stark before they reached the Vermont 
line. As they drew up in line of battle, this Yankee General 
mounted a rail fence, and shouted : " We must whip the enemy 
"before sun-down, or Molly Stark sleeps a widow." These historic 
words are very appropriate to inscribe upon one of the tablets in 
the Monument. Then followed one of the most brilliant actions of 
the Revolutionary War ; the Vermonters were victorious, 300 of the 
Hessians, including their Colonel, were laid low, and nearly 700 of 
them were taken prisoners. Their own loss was only 14 killed and 
42 wounded. While the victorious troops were securing the prison- 
ers and gathering the spoils, Colonel Breyman appeared with 
reinforcements from Burgoyne's camp. A fresh regiment under 



THE A UXILIAR Y E VENTS. 179 

Colonel Setb Warner met him, and before the surprised British 
could be properly formed to resist, they were driven back and 
slaughtered along the road for a long distance. Oriskany and the 
Mohawk Valley, therefore, in the name of The Oneida Historical 
Society, send greetings to the people of Vermont in this their great 
celebration. 

From Hon. Dudley C. Denison. — While the Xation exists 
(which God grant may be forever), the events you celebrate shall 
live in the memory of every patriotic citizen. 

From Secretary Maine. — Secretary Blaine instructs me to 
acknowledge, with his thanks, the receipt of your kind invitation. 

* * ^ And to convey to you his expression of sincere 
regret that he cannot be with you on that interesting occasion. 
(Signed.) Louis A. Dent, Private Secretary. 

From Major Charles Colville, Secretary to the Governor- General 
of Canada. — I am desired by His Excellency, the Governor-General, 
to acknowledge with thanks the kind invitation of the Bennington 
Battle Monument Committee to be present at the Dedication of the 
Monument, and to express His Excellency's regret that engage- 
ments in the Dominion will prevent him availing himself of it. 

From ex-President Cleveland. — I very much regret that my 
plans and engagements will not permit me to be with you on this 
most interesting occasion. 

From ex- Governor Beaver of Pennsylvania. — Time, place and 
circumstances combine to make the occasion one of great interest, 
and if I was able to do so, I would gladly attend. 

From Doctor P. CM. Edson of Pod^hury^ 3Iass. — It will be an 
occasion to stir the pulse of every Vermonter, for every one born 
upon the soil of Vermont is proud of its history. 

P^rom Secretary Nohle. — It would gratify me very much to be 
present, but I cannot promise myself that pleasure. Please accept 
yourself, and extend to the committee, my sincere thanks for the 
very complimentary invitation, and m}^ wishes for a most enjoyable 
and memorable occasion. 

P^rom General P. D. Mussey. — It would have given me the 
greatest .pleasure to have testified, by my presence, my appreciation 
of the high military genius shown on your soil by the son of the 
State in which I had the honor to be born. With some little 
acquaintance with military history, I can at this moment recall 
nothing that in its results surpasses the record of the Battle of Ben- 
nington. A loss of 800 inflicted upon the enemy and the capture of 
1,0U0 stand of arms by a force which lost in killed and wounded only 
56, is something almost if not quite unprecedented. This was not 
a va^YQ fortune of war ; it was generalship of the highest character, 
and the effect of that battle, at that time upon the struggling 
Colonies, was as potent and beneficent as the sacrifice of life that 
produced it was startling in its paucity. I know well, however, that 
the significance of this battle, and the valor of the men, and the 
greatness of the general that vron it, will be portrayed infinitely 
better than any poor words of mine could do. It was a happy 
thought to combine the erection of this Monument with the Cele- 
bration of the Centenary of the Statehood of the first-born State 



180 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

that added a star to a flag, emblazoned with the steUar represent- 
atives of the Thirteen Original Colonies and States. The legend 
of your State, " Freedom and Unity," is one of those phrases which 
is, as somebody has said of certain words, not " half a battle " but a 
whole campaign. It is a declaration that freedom alone can be 
secured by unity, and that unit}^ can only be conserved by freedom. 
When one calls the roll of the statesmen Vermont has produced, 
and their loyalty to this idea of Freedom and Unity, it is not 
difficult to see why it is that Vermont, though a small State, com- 
pared with the vast expanse of area, and the vast numbers of 
population that go to make up other States in the Union, has 
always maintained a foremost place in the councils and policy of 
the N"ation. It were invidious to speak of your living Senators, for 
instance, whose rej)utation is as broad as the Union, they are but 
worthy successors of worthy predecessors ; whether in the halls of 
'Congress, the Executive Departments, or in the various activities of 
jN'ational life, Vermont has always held a foremost rank. I remem- 
l)er years ago, to have read that in your State there was not an 
incorporated city, nor a military company, nor a man worth a 
million dollars. Time may have changed that, to some extent, at 
least, but no change of time has sapped the vigor or diverted the 
■current of the patriotic independence, and nobility of thought and 
purpose, and activity of life, that are as conspicuous as the moun- 
tain chain from which your State derives its name. Your zealous 
adherence to the fundamental law of State, your provision, — I 
believe it still exists, — for Censors, who shall from time to time, 
see that the Constitution has been free from infraction, and your 
other provisions for the maintenance of just and equal and well 
considered law, well deserves the encomium which some student of 
our American system has passed upon Vermont, to wit : that there 
are to be found in Vermont more democratic features than in anj^ 
other State. You have realized that eternal vigilance is the price of 
liberty in peace as well as in war. It was to have been expected of 
a State that has your watch-word, of " Freedom and Unity," that 
w^hen disunion and slavery combined, armed men should spring 
from every mountain and valley in your State, to defend the princi- 
ple which your legend embodies. When I think what Vermont did 
in the field during the last war and in Congress, I am full of admira- 
tion for its record. It was the steadfast " Vermont Brigade " 
(whose achievements have been so charmingly told by Colonel 
Walker), upon w^hich Sheridan riding from Winchester, after the 
Tout, aligned his army, and moved forward to snatch overwhelming 
victory from terrible disaster, and send the Rebels " whirling up the 
Talley." It were difficult to discriminate between the achievements 
of the 60,000 and more men, who fought at Gettysburg and won that 
:great battle for the Union, but the student of military history can 
uever forget how Stannard's Nine Months' Brigade, at a critical 
point of that engagement, stood fire like veterans, and broke the 
Jieroic charge of Pickett, with a heroism and a discretion rare even 
in a war that abounded in acts of heroism and deeds of valor, and 
captured by successive wheels, to the right and left, the advancing 
foe. If Vermont had done nothing else than to furnish, in the last 



THE A UXILIAR Y E VENTS. 181 

war, these tv/o instances of what a free man fighting for the Union 
can do, its contribution would have been of the highest. As a 
participant in that great struggle, and as a student of its military 
lessons, I cannot but pay my respect, and my sincere tribute to 
these great achievements. Born on the banks of the Connecticut, 
with the White Hills on the one side of me, and the Green Moun- 
tains on the other, I feel that, though in one sense a river divides 
New Hampshire from Vermont, it should rather be said that 
the river unites the two States than separates them. It is the 
lesson of the day that each shall feel for all, and all shall feel for 
each and that unity and freedom shall be, while human institutions 
exist, the complements of one another. 

From Senator Manderson. — I regret exceedingly, that I cannot 
be present on this most interesting occasion. It is an historic event, 
not only of importance to the noble State, whose sons have always, 
been in the front rank of patriotism, but to the whole Republic. 
" Freedom and Unity " receive new baxDtism by appropriate celebra- 
tion of events so momentous. 

From Governor Hill of JSTeio York. — I should be pleased to 
accept the invitation, both on account of the historic interest of the 
occasion, and on account of the pleasure which it would give me to 
meet President Harrison and the members of his Cabinet at the 
exercises, but I have already made engagements for that day which 
will preclude the possibility of my being present. 

From ex-President Hayes. — I beg you to receive my thanks 
for the invitation to attend the Dedication of the Bennington Battle 
Monument. Both of my parents were natives of Vermont. I 
visited the State often in my childhood, and have inherited a love 
for its mountains, its historj^ and its people. It grieves me to find 
that I cannot be present at the ceremonies attendant upon the com- 
pletion of a monument erected on Vermont soil in memory of one of 
the most inspiring events in our country's history. 

From Governor BucJcner of Kentucky. — Allow me to assure you 
that while official duties will preclude the possibility of my attend- 
ance, I look with pleasure upon every effort made to commemorate 
the heroic deeds of our fathers, and to keep alive in our posterity 
the patriotic fire. 

From Postmaster- General Wanamaker. — I regret to say that 
Mrs. Wanamaker, whom you kindly include, is in Europe and 
would not be able to come, and that I fear my engagements for 
August will not permit me the pleasure which your invitation holds 
out. If at a later moment I can find any way to accept I will be 
prompt to apprise you. 

From ex- Postmaster- General Vilas. — As the State of my birth 
and childhood's years, where still reside so many to whom I am 
attached by ties of kindred and of friendship, every event which 
gives her illustration is peculiarly interesting to me, and the par- 
ticular anniversary which recalls her entrance to the Union, asthe 
first of new States, though in good truth but the acknowledgment 
of her rightful place as one among those who gained their inde- 
pendence by the Revolution, is especially calculated to touch the 
sensibilities of every Vermonter. 



182 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL 

From General Wm. F. {''Baldy^') Smith of Delavmre. — It 
would give me the greatest pleasure to assist in the ceremonies, for 
my lineal ancestors, the Robinsons and Saffords, were in the bat- 
tle, and aided in securing the admission of Vermont into the Union 
as a separate State. I hope it will not be forgotten, by those pres- 
ent, that to Alexander Hamilton is due a debt of gratitude for his 
services in her cause. I regret that my engagements will render it 
impossible for me to accept the kind invitation, for I am always a 
Verm outer as are my children. 

From Secretary Mush. — I had confidently expected to be present 
at these interesting exercises, and had partially promised Secre- 
tary Proctor to visit your State at that time, but am obliged to deny 
myself this pleasure on account of official duties and other matters. 
I assure you that I greatly regret this, and ask that you will accept 
the thanks of both Mrs. Rusk and myself for your kind invitation. 

From Gover7ior Nichols of Louisiana. — Nothing would give 
me more pleasure than to be with you on that occasion, but the 
Lieutenant-Governor is sick at Saratoga, and the law has provided 
no other person to replace the Executive when temporarily absent. 
I have very pleasant recollections of Vermont, having spent some 
time there in 1856, with Colonel Colburn, of McClellan's Staff, who 
was a most intimate friend and classmate of mine at West Point. 

Many other letters were received from invited guests, and 
among them, we mention those from the following gentlemen : 
Rev. Charles Parkhurst, D.D., of Boston ; Justices Blatchford, 
Bradley, and Brewer, of the United States Supreme Court; General 
Russell A. Alger, of Michigan ; Hon.- A. Alford, of Brooklyn ; 
Colonel Truman C. Fletcher, of St. Johnsbury, Vt. ; Governor 
David R. Francis, of Missouri; Hon. Whitman G. Ferrin, of Mont- 
pelier, Vt. ; Hon. J. K. Darling, of Chelsea, Vt. ; Senator W. E. 
Chandler, of New Hampshire ; Hon. T. F. Maynard, of Wilmington, 
Delaware ; Governor A. C. Mellette, of South Dakota ; General 
Nelson A. Miles, U. S. A. ; Justice J. Q. C. Lamar, of the United 
States Supreme Court ; Governor Ladd, of Rhode Island ; Hon. J. 
R. Lewis, of Atlanta, Ga. ; Congressman Lodge, of Massachusetts; 
Hon. James R. Langdon (writing from Block Island) ; Superin- 
tendent Hammond of the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company; 
Hon. Sherman Hoar, of Waltham, Mass. ; Hon. Wm. C. Holbrook, 
of New York City ; Hon. H. N. Hibbard, of Chicago ; Governor 
Holt, of North Carolina ; Governor Tillman, of South Carohna ; 
Colonel P. D. Blodgett, of St. Johnsbury, Vt. ; Hon. Hoyt H. 
Wheeler, Judge, United States Circuit Court ; Governor Winans, of 
Michigan ; Hon. James H. Williams, of Bellows Falls, Vt. ; Gov- 
ernor Pattison, of Pennsylvania ; Treasurer Wm. P. Shreve, of 
Massachusetts, Military Order of the Loyal Legion, U. S. A. ; Presi- 
dent Low, of Columbia College ; Senator Sawyer, of Wisconsin ; 
Hon. M. T. Stevens, of North Andover, Mass. ; Hon. John H. 
Starin, of New York City ; Hon. F. Stewart Stranahan, of St. 
Albans, Vt. ; Governor Routt, of Colorado; ex-Governor Rice, of 
Massachusetts ; Hon. Jonathan Ross, Judge, Vermont Supreme 
Court ; ex-Senator Edmunds, of Vermont ; Governor Merriman, of 
Minnesota; Secretary of the Navy Tracy; Governor L. Bradford 
Prince, of New Mexico ; Governor Nichols, of Louisiana, and others. 




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APPENDIX. 



The City of Tents ; " Camp 'Vermont " / The National Guard at 
Bennington During the Week of the Dedication of the Monument. 
Hosiers of Visiting Military^ and Vermont'' s J^. G. V. ; Delega- 
tions not Heretofore 3Ientioned^ and Closing Particulars. 



The City of Tents. 



The illustration : " Camp Vermont, with Battle Monument in 
the Distance," does not give a clear idea of the immensity, so to 
speak, of the Encampment on the Soldiers' Home grounds, in 
August, 1891. If the reader will allow imagination full play, and 
observe that one hundred acres of meadow-land were laid under trib- 
ute as a site for the camp, the banquet-tents and fireworks' plain, 
a fair realization of the large plan of the grounds may be inferred 
from a view, in the illustration, aforesaid, of the South-east corner 
of " The City of Tents." The tents there visible are those of the 
National Guard of Vermont. In this part of the " city," the various 
company streets, officers' headquarters, etc., the amount of canvas 
used was about 28,000 square yards. This was supplemented by 
the Government committees so that the total was over 51,500 square 
yards, — verily a "city of tents." In this connection we append an 
extract from a letter, written by General R. M. Yale, of the firm 
who furnished about 15,400 square yards of the canvas, who says : 

I was somewhat interested, in looking over my old books, to see 
what I have done for the State of Vermont. In 1857, 1858, and 

1859, I furnished tents for fairs in different places in your State, 
and have continued to do so up to September, 1891. In August 

1860, they had a gathering of all the troops in the State, and I 
furnished tents for the officers and men at Montpelier. Later, in 
December of that year, I made them fifteen hundred dollars' worth 
of new tents. These were all the State had at the time the war 
broke out, and the first regiment that went to the front took them 
with them. In 1861, and 1862, I made some sixteen thousand dol- 
lars' worth of tents for the different regiments that left your State 
for the seat of war, and in 1877, I made 161 new tents with files for 
the State. These were set for the first time at Bennington, on the 
occasion of your Centennial Celebration that year. I, also, furnished 
nine large and smaller sized tents for that celebration ; which, with 
several smaller celebrations in different parts of the State, brings 
me down to the last occasion, which was the crowning event of 



184 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

them all. It is a pleasant reflection to me, to think that after serv- 
ing the State so many years, that I was able to serve them again on 
that last great occasion, and I shall ever feel grateful to you for 
giving me an opportunity to do so. 

The National Guard played so conspicuous a part in the exer- 
cises of the Centennial that a permanent record of their acts in the 
great event should go down in history. We therefore give, as an 
introduction to the Rosters, the Reports of Officers, as follows : 
Brigade Report or the Encampment. — 

Headquarters First Brigade, 
Vermont National Guard, 
Burlington, Vt., October 12, 1891. 
Brigadier- General Theodore S. Peck^ Adjutant- General. 

Sir: — I have the honor to submit the following report of the 
Annual Encampment of this Brigade, held at Bennington, Vt., 
August 14, to 21, 1891, inclusive. 

The Encampment was located on the grounds of the Soldiers' 
Home, and was named " Camp Vermont " in honor of the Centen- 
nial of the Admission of the State into the Union, which event was 
appropriately celebrated during the week. 

In obedience to General Orders, No. 8, A. G. O., dated June 22, 
1891, the several organizations of the First Regiment left their home 
stations at the hours named in Circular, No. 2, from the Quarter- 
master-General's office, Friday, August 14th, and arrived in camp 
by special trains as follows : Company K, at 8.00 A. M. ; Company 
A, at 8.30 A. M. ; Companies B, C, E, F, H, M, and band, at 2.00 P. 
M. ; Companies D, L, and G, at 4.00 P. M. ; Company I, which 
crossed the mountains from Brattleboro by team, at 5.20 P. M. 
Owing to the fatigue of the long ride, and the late hour at which 
some of the companies arrived in camp, no military duties, except 
guard-mount and dress parade, were performed on the first day, the 
few remaining hours of daylight being devoted to getting settled in 
quarters. 

Fuller's Battery, accompanied by Battery B, 4th Artillery, 
U. S. A., Brevet-Major Henry C. Gushing, commanding, arrived in 
camp at 2.15 P. M., on Saturday the 15th, having marched over the 
mountains from Brattleboro. The regular battery being on its 
annual summer outing, had previously marched, from its station at 
Newport, R. I., to Brattleboro, where it arrived on the ISth. The 
two batteries left Brattleboro at 6.00 A. M., on the morning of the 
14th, and reached the camp thoroughly drenched, from the pouring 
rain of the previous night, but with men and horses in good condi- 
tion. The distance of forty-three miles was covered in seventeen 
and one-half hours, marching time. The' march was conducted in a 



THE CITY OF TENTS. 185 

strictly military manner; and, so far as I am aware, is the first 
instance in which regular and volunteer batteries have campaigned 
together since the close of the Rebellion. 

The time of the Encampment was largely devoted to skirmish 
drill, with such battalion movements as were made necessary in the 
proper handling of the reserves. During the forenoons, the battal- 
ions were each commanded by their respective Majors, and in the 
afternoons were united under command of the Colonel. By this 
method instruction in a much larger number of movements was 
made possible. It was intended to give the command some practi- 
cal instruction in out-post duty ; but, owing to the amount of other 
work to be performed, the idea was abandoned as impracticable. 

A critical inspection of the troops in quarters was made during 
the forenoon of Sunday, in which I was accompanied by Captain 
Ralph W. Hoyt, U. S. A., who had been detailed by the War 
Department to inspect and report upon the Encampment. The 
camp was found to be in excellent shape, and the sanitary condition 
the best of any encampment we have ever held. 

During the forenoon of Monday, the 17th, teams of five men 
from each company of infantry were at the range, competing for 
the Centennial Trophy, which was won by Company F, of North- 
field, with the following score at 200 yards, standing position : 

Private J. T. Celley,.. 4 4 4 4 4 20 

Private W. P. Springer, „ 4 4 5 5 3 21 

Private F. B. Downing, 3 3 4 3 4 17 

Private G. N. Tilden, 4 4 4 3 3 18 

Private S. E. Locklin, 5 4 4 5 4 22 

Aggregate, 98 

In the afternoon the range was occupied by individual com- 
petitors, for the Webb badges, consisting of a gold, diamond studded 
medal ; a silver medal with gold target, and a silver medal, pre- 
sented by Colonel Wm. Seward Webb, Inspector of Rifle Practice 
on the Staff of His Excellency, Governor Page, for the three best 
individual scores from five shots at 200 yards. The competition 
was limited to members of the command who had made a record of 
sixty out of a possible seventy-five, during the present practice sea- 
son. Forty contestants presented themselves at the firing-point, 
and the first prize was won by Lieutenant W. B. Locklin, of Com- 
pany M, with a score of 22 ; the second and third by Privates W. 
P. Springer, Company F, and R. H. Whitman, Company M, with 
scores of 21 and 20 respectively. The range during these competi- 
tions was in charge of Major Charles E. Nelson, Brigade Inspector 
of Rifle Practice, assisted by Captain John D. Wyman, Inspector of 



186 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

Rifle Practice, First Regiment; with Captain R. W. Hoyt, llth 
Infantry, and Captain H. R. Anderson, 4th Artillery, U. S. A., as 
judges. 

After guard-mounting on Tuesday, the 18th, Major Cushing's 
battery gave an exhibition drill on the parade ground, which was 
very instructive, and was highly enjoyed by the officers and men of 
the brigade, as well as by the large number of citizens who had 
assembled to witness it. The ground was subsequently occupied by 
Fuller's Battery, which displayed a proficiency in drill that showed 
much careful and painstaking work on the part of officers and men 
during the past season. Each year, since being supplied with the 
new model breech-loading rifles. Colonel Fuller, at the request of 
the War Department, has submitted detailed reports of the work- 
ing of the guns and equipments, noting defects observed, with such 
suggestions as his well-known mechanical skill have enabled him to 
make regarding improvements, many of which have received favora- 
ble consideration from the Ordnance officers of the army. 

During the afternoon of the 18th, a select battalion of the New 
Hampshire National Guard, consisting of three companies, under 
the command of Major Francis O. Nims, arrived, and were assigned 
to quarters near Camp Vermont, as were also the 32nd Separate 
Company from Hoosick Falls, N. Y., Captain Charles W. Eddy, 
commanding, and the Light Guard Battalion of North Adams, 
Mass., Major F. H. Fleming, commanding. 

On Wednesday, the 19th, the regiment, battery, and visiting 
troops took part in the parade in connection with the Dedication of 
the Monument, erected to commemorate General Stark's victory at 
Bennington, on August 16, 1777. Having been designated by His 
Excellency as Chief Marshal on this occasion, the brigade was tem- 
porarily under the command of Colonel Julius J. Estey, First 
Regiment, and did the State great credit by its excellent appear- 
ance. The column for parade included 88 different organizations, 
civil and military, 12 bands, 6 drum corps and 108 carriages with 
invited guests, aggregating nearly 4,500 men. It was pronounced 
by competent judges to have been the largest and finest ever wit- 
nessed in Vermont. The marching of the troops, as the column 
passed in review before President Harrison, elicited much well- 
merited applause. After the parade the troops had the rare 
pleasure of witnessing a dress parade of the West Point Cadets, 
which cannot fail to be of benefit to them in future encampments. 

During Thursday forenoon the command was reviewed by His 
Excellency, Governor Page, and in the afternoon was exercised in 
skirmish drill with blank cartridges, the regiment being divided into 



THE CITY OF TENTS, 187 

opposing bodies under command of Colonel Estey, and Lieutenant- 
Colonel Kinsman. All the moveifients were executed to the sound 
of the bugle, and a good degree of proficiency was exhibited . 

As occasion offered each organization was carefully and min- 
utely inspected by Captain Hoyt, U. S. A., assisted by Brevet 
Lieutenant-Colonel M. D. Greene, Assistant Adjutant- General of 
the brigade. # * * 

From a strictly military stand-point I believe the Encampment 
to have been a very successful one, though more and better work 
would have been possible, could the entire eight days have been 
devoted to purely military duties; but, despite the fact that for 
three days the camp was the rallying point of the thousands pres- 
ent to participate in the Dedication of the Battle Monument, and 
Celebration of the hundredth Anniversary of the Admission of 
the State into the Union, much valuable work was done, and the 
discipline of the command, with hardly an exception, was most 
excellent, and the conduct of the men in every way commendable. 

Camp was broken on the morning of Friday, the 21st, the 
troops returning home by the same routes taken in reaching camp. 
The weather was most favorable, and by noon the camp-equipage 
had been packed and loaded. 

I herewith transmit the reports of Colonels Estey and Fuller. 
* # # 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Wm. L. Greenleaf, 
Brigadier- General^ Commanding. 
Regimental Repoet of the Encampment. — 

Headquarters First Regiment, 
Vermont National Guard, 
Brattleboro, Vt., August 28, 1891. 
General Wm. L. Greenleaf^ Commanding First Brigade^ V. JST. G.^ 
Burlington^ Yermont. 
Sir : — I have the honor to report that in compliance with Gen- 
eral Order, No. 8, A. G. O., dated June 22nd, and General Order, No. 
6, Brigade Headquarters, dated July 15th, the Annual Encampment 
of this regiment was held on the grounds of the Soldiers' Home at 
Bennington, August 14th to 21st, inclusive. # =* * 

Guard-mount was held at 3.30 o'clock, with details from such 
companies as had arrived in camp. The companies arriving so late, 
there was no time for drill Friday afternoon. Dress parade was 
held at the usual hour. 

There was quite a rain Saturday morning, but it cleared away, 
so that it did not interfere with our routine of duty for that day. 



188 DEDICATION AND GENTENNIAI. 

Sunday was quietly observed, with inspection of quarters in the 
morning ; services conducted by the Chaplain in the afternoon, and 
dress parade in the evening. 

Monday raorning was devoted to competition for the Centen- 
nial Trophy, which was won by Company F, and in the afternoon the 
Webb medals were competed for. 

Wednesday was devoted to the ceremony of the Dedication of 
the Battle Monument, in which the regiment participated. 

On Thursday morning the regiment was reviewed by His 
Excellency, Governor Page, and the prizes awarded to the winning 
teams and individuals, and the Service Medals were given out. 

The regiment was inspected, — each Company separately, — by 
Captain R. W. Hoyt, of the 11th United States Infantry. 

I am happy to say that the conduct of the men during the 
entire Encampment, so far as I have heard, was highly commenda- 
ble. I think there was a marked improvement in the duties of the 
sentinels on their posts, from the beginning to the end of the 
encampment. The regular routine was so interfered with that not 
as much battalion drill was had as would have been desirable, 
although some very good work was done. =* * * 

The Morning Reports show an average attendance for the 
entire Encampment of something over 97 per cent., which, I think, 
is very creditable. 

The cleanliness of the camp showed an improvement over any 
preceding year. * . * * 

I have the honor to be. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Julius J. Estey, Colonel^ Commanding. 
Artillery Report of the Encampment. — 

"Fuller's Battery": First Light Battery, V. N. G., 
Brattleboro, Vt., August 24, 1891. 
General Wm. L. Greenleaf] Commanding Brigade^ Y. N. G. 

Sir: — In accordance with orders of the War Department, 
Light Battery B, 4th Artillery, U. S. A., Major H. C. Gushing, com- 
manding, left Fort Adams, Newport, R. L, August 3d, marching on 
an average about twenty miles a day, joining my command at Brat- 
tleboro on the 11th. On the 13th they gave an exhibition drill on 
the fair grounds, which was greatly appreciated by several thousand 
people, and, for purposes of instruction, my battery teams were out. 

At 6 A. M., August 14th, both batteries left Brattleboro, and 
marched to Marlboro, where they lunched, and then proceeded to 
Wilmington, arriving at 2.15, P. M., where they were received by a 
delegation of citizens, headed by an excellent band, and escorted 



THE CITY OF TENTS. 189 

through the village to the fair ground; encaraping there for the 
night, and continuing their march, the following morning at 5 
o'clock, through Searsburgh and Woodford. It rained very hard 
from one o'clock until ten, and, also, during the descent of the 
Western slope of the mountain ; but horses and men suffered no 
injury, or unreasonable discomfort, reaching Bennington in good 
condition at 2.15 P. M., and going into camp on the East side of the 
Soldiers' Home. 

On Sunday we performed routine duty, observing the day in 
accordance with Xew England custom. 

On Monday we got in a very heavy day's work. 

The same may be said of Tuesday, with the addition of a full 
dress inspection, by Captain Hoyt, U. S. A., and a heavy shower in 
the afternoon. 

On Wednesday we particii3ated in the parade, passing in review 
before the Governor of Vermont, and the President of the United 
States, being attached to the First Grand Division. After returning 
to camp, we performed a good afternoon's work. 

On Thursday morning both batteries formed in line, and were 
reviewed by His Excellency, Governor Page, after which we drilled 
in his presence. In the afternoon the work performed was con- 
siderable, closing as it did with gun-practice. 

On Friday morning we broke camp at five o'clock, and com- 
menced our march across the mountains, arriving in Wilmington at 
2.00 P. M. ; camping for the night on the fair ground, and resuming 
the march at 5.00 o'clock, on Saturday morning. Two miles 
to the East of Wilmington, we parted from Cushing's battery, they 
taking the road through to Jacksonville and Greenfield, and we, con- 
tinuing the march, arriving in Brattleboro at 11.45 A. M. 

The distance covered from Bennington to Wilmington, is about 
23 miles ; Wilmington to Brattleboro, 20 miles. 

The march was conducted on a strictly military basis, the two 
batteries marching and camping together, my battery conforming to 
the movements of the Regulars. 

So far as I know, this is the first time in many years, possibly, 
since the War of the Rebellion, that Volunteers and Regulars have 
campaigned together, and I have no doubt of its vast importance. 
During the seventeen years of my command of this battery, it has 
been my constant aim to conform in everything to the ways and 
customs of the Regular service, believing that a good, working, 
serviceable battery is the most desirable, and this experience has 
strengthened that view. 

My horses were superior for every duty required, and men were 
proficient in their duties. ^^ ^ ^k 



190 DEDIQATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

I desire to express my thanks to the Honorable Secretary of 
War, Redfield Proctor, for detailing Cushing's Battery to march and 
encamp with us, and to yourself, the Adjutant- General, and His 
Excellency, Governor Page, for so heartily entering into and pro- 
moting the same. Very properly, the Department left much to the 
wise discretion of the officers, who labored with great zeal to make 
the occasion one of profit, and the advantages derived are many. 

I also desire to express my a]3preciation to Major Gushing, his 
officers and men, for their cheerful willingness to place themselves 
at our disposal, and in every way possible contribute to the success 
of the occasion. 

Number of officers, . 8 

Number of ISTon-Commissioned, _ _ 9 

Number of enlisted men, _ _ 63 

Total, "so 

Respectfully submitted, 

Levi K. Fuller, Brevet-Colonel, 

Captain First Light Lattery^ V. N G. 
Centennial Rostee, N. G. Y. — 

Roster of the State Officers., and Militia. — The following are 
the officers of the State Government, and Vermont National Guard, 
together with such of their associates for this particular occasion, 
as have been designated for publication. It is a matter of interest, 
in connection with the Roster, to note that of the names thereon 
but eight were present as officers in 1877. We give their rank at 
that time, viz. : Theodore S. Peck, Colonel of First Regiment ; 
William L. Greenleaf, Lieuten ant- Colonel ; William Smith, Regi- 
mental Quartermaster ; Julius J. Estey, Captain, Company I ; 
Charles C. Kinsman, Captain, Company A ; F. W. Childs, Second 
Lieutenant, Company I ; Levi K. Fuller, Captain, Battery ; P. F. 
Connors, Second Lieutenant, Battery. This fact emphasizes the 
constant change going on in the ranks. The personnel of the pri- 
vates has been changed equally as much : 

Commander-in-Chief. — His Excellency, Carroll S. Page, Hyde 
Park, Governor. 

State Officers. — Hon. Henry A. Fletcher, Cavendish, Lieutenant- 
Governor ; Hon. Chauncey W. Brownell, Jr., Burlington, Secretary 
of State ; Hon. Henry F. Field, Rutland, Treasurer ; Hon. Luther 
O. Greene, Woodstock, Inspector of Finance ; Hon. E. Henry Powell, 
Burlington, Auditor of Accounts. 

Commander'' s Staff. — Brigadier- General Theo. S. Peck, Burling- 
ton, Adjutant and Inspector-General; Brigadier-General Wm. H. 
Gilmore, Fairlee, Quartermaster-General; Brigadier-General J. C. 



THE CITY OF TENTS. 191 

Rutherford, Burlington, Surgeon-General; Brigadier-General F. E. 
Alfred, Newport, Judge Advocate-General; Colonel Wm. Seward 
Webb, Shelburne, Inspector of Rifle Practice. 

Aides-de- Camp. — Colonel Herbert F, Brigham, Bakersfield ; 
Colonel Wm. H. H. Slack, Springfield; Colonel Myron J. Horton, 
Poultney ; Colonel Lyman F. Abbott, Bennington ; Colonel Harley 
E. Folsom, Lyndonville ; Colonel Henry R. Cutler, Barton. Captain 
E. N. Wright, Montpelier, Military Storekeeper. 

On Duty at Headquarters. — Captain Herbert S. Foster, 20th 
Infantry, U. S. A., Acting Assistant Adjutant-General ; Lieutenant 
Fred A. Richardson, of Burlington ; Sergeants Marion Allen, Rich- 
ard A. Shepard, George E. Cowlbeck, and Charles H. Stevens. 

Brigade Commander^ and Staff. — Brigadier-General Wm. L. 
Greenleaf, Burlington. 

Staff. — Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel M. D. Greene, Burlington, 
Assistant Adjutant-General ; Brevet Lieutenant- Colonel Wm. Smith, 
Burlington, Assistant Quartermaster-General; Major Robert J. 
Coffey, Bennington, Provost Marshal ; Major C. E. Nelson, Derby 
Line, Inspector of Rifle Practice ; Captain Max L. Powell, of Rich- 
ford, A. D. C. ; Captain Allen H. Sabin, of Saxton's River, A. D. C. ; 
Sergeant Ransom S. Buss, Bennington, Provost- Sergeant ; Ser- 
geant H. B. Chamberlain, Bradford, Quartermaster- Sergeant. 

First Regiment., Field and Staff. — Julius J. Estey, Brattleboro, 
Colonel ; Charles C. Kinsman, Rutland, Lieutenant-Colonel ; George 
H. Bond, Brattleboro, John H. Watson, Bradford, Calvin W. 
Evans, Bennington, Majors ; James A. Lillis, Rutland, Adjutant ; 
Charles H. Fuller, Montpelier, Quartermaster; John D. Wyman, 
St. Albans, Inspector of Rifle Practice ; James N. Jenne, St. Albans, 
Surgeon; Wm. D. Huntington, Rochester, Henry H. Lee, Wells 
River, Assistant Surgeons; Rev. Howard F. Hill, Montpelier, 
Chaplain. 

Non- Commissioned Staff. — D. S. Wells, Barre, Sergeant-Major ; 
P. K. Peck, Rutland, Quartermaster-Sergeant; F. H. Chapman, 
Rutland, Hospital Steward; Fred T. Austin, Northfield, Drum- 
Major; Ruel L. Parker, Brandon, Chief Masician; Charles F. 
Collins, Montpelier, First Color-Sergeant ; Thomas H. Robinson, 
St. Johnsbury, Second Color-Sergeant; Edward C. Bennett, Ben- 
nington, R. G. Guide, Loring D. Bingham, Bennington, L. G. Guide. 

Officers of Companies. — Company D, of St. Johnsbury. — Cap- 
tain, Abel W. Roberts ; First Lieutenant, Charles W. Bonett ; 
Second Lieutenant, Heman S. Steady. 

Company H, of Montpelier. — Captain, Osman D. Clark ; First 
Lieutenant, Samuel A. Luke ; Second Lieutenant, Arthur G. Eaton. 



192 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

Company F, of Northfield. — Captain, Gilbert C. Bates ; First 
Lieutenant, Frank L. Howe ; Second Lieutenant, George R. Cofrin. 

Company I, of Brattleboro. — Captain, Fred W. Childs ; First 
Lieutenant, Thomas A. Austin; Second Lieutenant, J. Gray Estey. 

Company E, of Barre. — Captain, Burt H. Wells ; First Lieu- 
tenant, Frederick B. Mudgett ; Second Lieutenant, Daniel R. Bisbee. 

Company B, of St. Albans. — Captain, John H. Mimms ; First 
Lieutenant, Carleton A. Searle; Second Lieutenant, Charles D. 
Watson. 

Company C, of Brandon. — Captain, Josiah W. Symons ; First 
Lieutenant, Bernice A. Carr ; Second Lieutenant, A. J. Dimmick. 

Company G, of Bradford. — Captain, Calvin E. Clark; First 
Lieutenant, Herbert P. Warren ; Second Lieutenant, Frank R. 
Johnson. 

Company K, of Bennington. — Captain, Henry D. Fillmore; 
First Lieutenant, Orrin W. Davis ; Second Lieutenant, Ernest T. 
Griswold. 

Company A, of Rutland. — Captain, Theodore A. Davis ; First 
Lieutenant, Benjamin B. Perkins; Second Lieutenant, Myron D. 
Hayward. 

Company L, of Newport, — Captain, Gardner D. Pratt ; First 
Lieutenant, Jerry F. Lambert; Second Lieutenant, E. C. Skinner. 

Company M, of Richford. — Captain, Winfield S. Thayer; First 
Lieutenant, W. B. Locklin; Second Lieutenant, E. E. Miller. 

Eirst Light Battery : " Euller^s.''^ — Captain and Brevet-Colonel, 
Levi K. Fuller ; First Lieutenant and Adjutant, Edwin H. Putnam ; 
Assistant Surgeon, D. P. Webster ; First Lieutenant and Quarter- 
master, Thomas Hannon; First Lieutenant, F. D. Weld; First 
Lieutenant, A. T. McClure ; Second Lieutenant, P. F.. Connors; 
Second Lieutenant, L. F. Shields. 

Roster of Cushing'^s Battery. — Major, H. C. Gushing; Captain, 
H. R. Anderson ; Lieutenant, John T. Martin. This battery has 
four cannon, 55 men, and 55 horses. 

(Not) Buegotne's Camp- Kettle. — A member of the Citizens 
Committee of Fifty, contributes the following account of a " practi- 
cal joke," but he fails to state that the aforesaid " kettle " was 
returned to the genial Chairman of the Committee on Transpor- 
tation as a "valuable package." It is, also, averred that the 
manager of the Water Company, Mr. E. H. Putnam, " captured " 
the " package " eyi route to its destination as marked. Between 
the parties in the "secret" there has been considerable good- 
natured fun, — but to the subject : 

An amusing incident connected with the Celebration, the facts 



i 



It 
1 





THE CITY OF TENTS. 193 

of which are known to but few persons not immediately associated 
with the affair, and which we believe, now for the first time appear 
in print, was the " practical joke " played, by members of the 
National Guard, upon a company of Knights Templars, who were 
in attendance in their own special car. As it transpires, some of 
the officers of the "Guard," who were "well up" in military 
etiquette, had been guests of the aforesaid Commandery of Knights 
Templars, and not having received the homage they conceived was 
due to their rank, determined to seek redress, — after a friendly 
fashion, of course, — by playing a practical joke. In the vicinity of 
the "special car" was an immense kettle for melting lead, used by 
the Water Company in laying their " mains " through the streets, 
and weighing about a ton. During the Grand Parade, and while 
the car was wholly unoccupied, a detail of the " Guard " surrep- 
titiously loaded this "kettle" into the car. After the parade every 
thing was in a tumult and hurry, and no notice was taken of the 
strange cargo until the train was well under way ; when, upon ne^r- 
ing Rutland, the " thing " was discovered. No amount of enquiry 
could reveal any knowledge of it ; and, after due deliberation, it was 
decided to take, what many thought to be " General Stark's Camp- 
Kettle," to Burlington, and have it returned to Bennington. 
Accordingly the freight agent at Burlington was very innocently 
informed, that " That thing wanted to be returned to Bennington." 
With the intuition due to his class, he took in the situation, and the 
kettle which had been sorely wanted, for its legitimate purpose, by 
its owners was restored to them, just in time to save the purchase 
of a new one, which was to have been ordered by telegraph the day 
of the return of the old kettle. To those familiar with the facts the 
whole affair was decidedly funny and laughable ; and, no doubt, has 
been the topic of many a " good time " to the participants since it 
occurred, especially as the labor necessary to get the " kettle and 
furnace " into the car is recalled. The wonder has been : How it 
was ever gotten through the door, either in or out of the car ! 
Centennial Rostee, N. G. N. H., and Amoskeag Veteeans. — 

Governor and Staff. — His Excellency, Hiram A. Tuttle, Gov- 
ernor and Commander-in-Chief; Major-General Augustus D. Ayling, 
Adjutant-General, Concord ; Brigadier- General Albert N. Dow, 
Inspector-General, Exeter; Brigadier-General Charles W. Stevens, 
Quartermaster-General, Nashua ; Brigadier-General Oliver A. Gibbs, 
Commissary-General, Dover ; Brigadier-General Charles H. Bartlett, 
Judge Advocate-General, Manchester ; Brigadier-General Ferdinand 
A. Stillings, Surgeon-General, Concord. 

Aides-de- Camp. — Colonel Arthur E. Clarke, Manchester ; 
C olonel George A. Sanders, Laconia ; Colonel Frank W. Maynard, 
Nashua; Colonel Rufus N. Elwell, Newton; ColonelJ. E. Pecker, 
Concord. 

Governor'' s Council. — Hon. James Farrington, Rochester; Hon. 
Henry B. Quinby, Lake Village ; Hon. Geo. A. Ramsdell, Nashua ; 
Hon. John M. Whipple, Claremont; Hon. Edwin C. Lewis, Laconia. 



194 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL 

Brigade Commander^ and Staff. — Brigadier-General J. W. 
Patterson, Concord ; Lieutenant-Colonel Frank W. Rollins, Concord, 
Assistant Adjutant-General; Major J. P. Wellman, Keene, Inspec- 
tor of Rifle Practice ; Lieutenant-Colonel Irving A. Watson, Concord, 
Medical Director ; Major Arthur H. Chase, Concord, Judge- Advo- 
cate ; Captain George R. Leavitt, Laconia, Quartermaster ; Captain 
Frank L. Kimball, Nashua, A. D. C. ; Brigade Quartermaster-Ser- 
geant, F. W. Truland, Laconia ; Brigade Bugler, W. C. Hammond, 
Concord. 

Bennington Battalion., N H. N G. ; Field and Staff. — Major, 
Francis O. Mms, Second Regiment, Keene; Adjutant, Frank B. 
Perkins, First Regiment, Manchester; Quartermaster, Arthur M. 
Dodge, Third Regiment, Hampton Falls ; Assistant Surgeon, Robert 
Burns, Third Regiment, Plymouth; Sergeant-Major, Edward S. 
Cook, Third Regiment, Laconia ; Quartermaster-Sergeant, George 
E. Danforth, Second Regiment, Nashua ; Drum-Major Francis H. 
Pike, First Regiment, Manchester. 

Officers of Companies. — Company H, First Regiment, of Man- 
chester. — Captain, J. Soley; First Lieutenant, Treflfle Raiche ; 
Second Lieutenant, M. R. Maynard. 

Company G, Second Regiment, of Keene. — Captain E. O. 
Upham ; First Lieutenant, John J. Colony ; Second Lieutenant, E. 
M. Keyes. 

Company C, Third Regiment, of Concord. — Captain, W. C. 
Trenoweth ; First Lieutenant, Thomas P. Davis ; Second Lieuten- 
ant, Alfred L. Trenoweth. 

Amoskeag Veterans ; Commander., and Staff. — Major, command- 
ing, Charles H. Bartlett, Manchester; First Lieutenant John 
Gannon, Jr., Adjutant, Manchester ; Captain H. E. Burnham, Judge 
Advocate, Manchester; Captain William L. Morrison, Chaplain, 
Manchester; Captain Miah B. Sullivan, Surgeon, Dover; First Lieu- 
tenant Charles E. Dodge, Assistant-Surgeon, Manchester ; Captain 
Charles L. Harmon, Paymaster, Manchester ; Captain Moses Wad- 
leigh. Quartermaster, Manchester. 

Officers of Companies. — Company A. — Captain, Benjamin F. 
Clark, Manchester; First Lieutenant, Sebastian Christophe, Man- 
chester; Second Lieutenant, Chauncey W. Clement, Manchester. 

Company B. — Captain, George H. Wilson, Manchester; First 
Lieutenant, Frank P. Kimball, Manchester; Second Lieutenant, 
Charles H. Moore, Nashua. 
Centennial Rostee, Massachusetts Delegation. — 

Governor and Stcff. — His Excellency, William E. Russell, 
Governor of the C'ommonwealth. 



THE CITY OF TENTS. 195 

Staff. — Major-General Samuel Dalton, Adjutant-General; Briga- 
dier-General Thomas Kittredge, Surgeon-General ; Brigadier-General 
John W. Corcoran, Judge Advocate-General; Colonel Walter 
Cutting, A. D. C. ; ^Colonel Micheel T. Donahoe, A. D. C. ; Colonel 
Francis Peabody, Jr., A. D. C. ; Colonel Spencer Borden, A. D. C. ; 
Colonel George A. Keeler, Assistant Inspector- General ; Colonel 
Henry D. Andrews, Assistant Inspector-General; Colonel Henry 
E. Russell, Assistant Adjutant-General ; ^Colonel Horace B. Verry, 
Assistant Quartermaster-General. 

Honorary Staff. — Brigadier-General Benjamin F. Peach, Jr., 
commanding Second Brigade, M. Y. M. ; Brigadier-General Ben- 
jamin F. Bridges, commanding First Brigade, M. V. M. ; Colonel 
William M. Strachan, commanding Ninth Infantry, M. V. M. 
Colonel Walter A. Bancroft, commanding Fifth Infantry, M. Y. M. 
Colonel Thomas R. Mathews, commanding First Infantry, M. Y. M. 
Colonel Embury P. Clark, commanding Second Infantry, M. Y. M. 
Colonel Henry Parsons, commanding Sixth Infantry, M. Y. M. 
Colonel J. Albert Mills, commanding Eighth Infantry, M. Y. M." 
Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas F. Edmands, commanding First Corps 
Cadets, M. Y. M. ; Lieutenant-Colonel John W. Hart, commanding 
Second Corps Cadets, M. Y. M. ; Major George S. Merrill, First 
Battalion Light Artillery, M. Y. M. ; Major Horace G. Kemp, com- 
manding First Battalion Cavalry, M. Y. M. ; Lieutenant-Commander 
John C. Soley, commanding Naval Battalion, M. Y. M. 

Executive Council. — Lieutenant-Governor William H. Haile ; 
Hon. Isaac N. Keith, Hon. Arthur W. Tufts, Hon. Edward J. 
Flynn, Hon. Byron Truell, Hon. Moses How, Hon. Ephraim Stearns, 
Hon. William Abbott, Hon. Ashley B. Wright. 

Legislative Officers. — *Hon. Henry H, Sprague, President of the 
Senate ; Hon. William E. Barrett, Speaker of the House ; Captain 
J. G. B. Adams, Sergeant-at-Arms ; Henry D. Coolidge, Clerk of 
Senate ; ^Edward A. McLaughlin, Clerk of House. 

Heads of State Departments. — *Hon. William M. Olin, Secre- 
tary of State; Hon. G. A. Marden, Treasurer and Receiver-General; 
Hon. William D. T. Trefry, Auditor; Hon. Albert E. Pillsbury, 
Attorney-General. 

Committee on Federal Belations. — Hon. George M. Towle, Hon. 
James Donovan, Hon. George N. Carpenter ; Representative Hiram 
B. Lane, Representative Charles H. Boodey, Representative Louis 
E. P. Moreau, Representative Haile R. Luther, Representative 
Myron J. Ferren, Representative Dudley J. Marston. 

Special Committee, House and Senate. — Hon. Frederick S. 

*Tliose marked with, an asterisk were unable to be present. 



196 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

Risteen, Hon. Cyrus Savage, Hon. Aaron Low, Hon. George P. 
Cooke, Hon. H. Torrey Cady; Representative J. Otis Wardwell, 
Representative James H. Mellen, Representative Charles H. Baker, 
*Representative Ciias. F. Worcester, Representative Charles Moore, 
Representative James A. Lewis, Representative Joseph P. Lomasney, 
Representative Henry S. Dickinson, ^Representative Robert B. 
Capen, Representative Richard F. Barrett, Representative S. Edward 
Howard, Representative James O. Parker, Representative Nathan 
B. Flood, Representative Daniel R. Child, Representative George 
H. Brown. 

Iieprese7itatives of Boston Daily Press. — B. L. Beal, Boston Jour- 
nal ; H. A. French, Boston Traveller ; John B. Reynolds, Boston 
Advertiser and Record; F. C. Brownell, Boston Herald ; J. C. Smith, 
Boston Globe; C. H. Glidden, Boston Post ; J. E. Pember, Boston 
Neics ; T. B. Benton, Boston Transcript. 

In Charge of Quartermaster'' s Department. — Major W. C. 
Capelle. 

Bearer of State Guidon. — Guidon-Sergeant E. E. Kemp, First 
Battalion Cavalry. 

Messengers to Party. — R. S. Church, William Robinson. 

Colonel William M. Strachan, Senior- Colonel of the Massachu- 
setts Volunteer Militia, was appointed to the command of a Division 
by the Vermont Authorities. (See page 73.) 

The Vermont Legislature. — Carriages had been provided so 
that the members of the Vermont Legislature could ride, but when 
the Grand Procession was made up, this fine appearing body of 
men took their places in line, and marched to and from the Monu- 
ment. At the head walked Lieutenant-Governor Henry A. Fletcher, 
and at his side were Speaker Mann, Treasurer Field and Secretary 
of State Brownell. Their position was the left of the Second Divis- 
ion, and there were 115 Senators and Representatives present. At 
the banquet these gentlemen had special seats assigned, but no 
roster has been preserved, much to the regret of the Editor of this 
volume. 
Sunday Services in Bennington Village. — 

At St. Peter'' s Church. — In St. Peter's Episcopal church, 
August 16th, there were Celebrations of the Eucharist at 8.00 
o'clock, and 9.45 A. M. At 10.30 the edifice was filled to its utmost 
capacity with interested listeners. The Rev. William Bogert 
Walker preached a practical discourse upon the subject: "God's 
Providential Intentions ; or the Dangers and Safeguards of our 
Country." His text was taken from Deut. xxx., 20. He spoke of 
the dangers to our country from immigration ; the difficulties 
between capital and labor, appearing thus early in our Nation's his- 



S UNDA Y SEE VICES. 197 

tory ; from dishonesty, political intrigue and legislation for the few 
against the many ; in the overwhelming quantity of vicious litera- 
ture. The safeguards of our country are an open Bible and a Living 
Church. Add to patriotism, which is loyalty to country, loyalty to 
God and His law^s, and God will bless this land and make it great. 

The Choral Evensong was inavoidably curtailed on account of 
the illness of some prominent ones concerned therein. 

Eirst Baptist Church. — The Baptist church was very tastily 
decorated. Shields of the National colors, with trimmings of flags, 
covered the lower front of the organ, and the choir-rail was draped 
with bunting. Small flags stood upright at each seat in the main 
aisles. The Rev. Z. Marten preached from the text Joshua iv., 7 : 
"These stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel 
forever." He spoke of the enduring character of the Monument and 
that it was a fit reminder of the sturdy piety and devotion to duty 
which characterized the fathers. That this patriotism may be 
impressed upon our hearts, in grateful remembrance, should be our 
constant effort. We need as a preservative against the evils in our 
Republic, unwavering faith in God, confidence in, and loyalty to, 
the principles which have made us what we are. And, above all, a 
National •sense of honor that shall preserve us, both as individuals, 
and as a Nation, from dishonesty, subterfuge, injustice, and atheism. 

3IethocUst Episcopal Church. — The decorations in the Metho- 
dist church were very elaborate, especially when the evergreen was 
added for the evening concert. Streamers of bunting hung from 
the centre of the ceiling to the four corners of the room. A life- 
sized portrait of General Washington was held in the place of 
centre-piece above the platform. The motto : " The day the battle 
was fought," was above the portrait, surrounded by flags. There 
was also a centre-piece of flags on the wall at the rear of the room, 
and sashes of bunting in all the windows. The Rev. A. D. Heaxt 
preached a sermon of much power and eloquence. His text was 
Joshua iv., 21-24, and the subject : " Lessons of the Day." 

Second Congregational Church. — The pulpit and clevis-rail at 
the Second Congregational church were draped in the National 
colors, and at the rear of the audience-room was the motto : " Our 
fathers trusted in thee; they trusted and thou didst deliver them." 
(Page 131.) The Rev. Charles R. Seymour preached from Psalms 
xviii., 34, "He teacheth my hands to war." He showed that 
although the Christian religion was a religion of peace, yet there 
were also times when war was a stern necessity. God taught our 
fathers to war when they fought in the cause of humanity. He 
also taught those who fought in the Civil war to flght in the cause 
of right. The speaker gave a brief account of the battle and closed 
with an eloquent tribute to Vermont as one of the foremost States 
in all the sisterhood for excellence in education, growth in religion 
and faithfulness in patriotism, in spite of the drain upon her 
resources by the emigration to other States. 

Union Eveniiig Sermces. — At the Second Congregational edifice 
there was a union service of the Second Congregational and the 
Baptist churches, with music as a special feature. There was 



198 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 

speaking by the two pastors, by Edward J. Hal], Colonel Olin 
Scott, the Rev. C. C. Cook, and others. 

At the Methodist Church there was a patriotic concert by the 
Sunday School. There were, also, elaborate floral decorations, and 
prominent among these a miniature Battle Monument of pansies, 
built nearly four feet high. The Methodist orchestra rendered 
several selections, and the music was all of a patriotic character. 

Centennial TeUgrcqjhic Sermce. — No better telegraphic service 
could have been asked for by the large corps of newspaper corre- 
spondents, in attendance at the Centennial, than was given by 
Electrican J. M. Moffatt, of jS'ew York, and his assistants ; and " the 
boys," of the fraternity were not slow to express their appreciation 
of the facilities afforded. General Superintendent C. A. Tinker, of 
New Yosk, is a Vermonter, and for that reason, as well as from a 
business point of view, he was interested in having the Western 
Union make a success in meeting the demands of this occasion. A 
portion of The Banner office was devoted to this feature of the 
Celebration. Two sets of the quadruplex system were put in, 
besides other instruments, giving the operators control of ten trans- 
mission lines. The capacity of the office was 20,000 words an hour, 
which rather exceeded the demand. The company weye at con- 
siderable expense, in locating this temporary office ; 800 cells of 
battery were sent here, and put up at The Banner office branch, and 
at the depot. Every possible precaution was taken to prevent any 
break in the lines ; Superintendent N. C. Humstone, of this division, 
detailed Assistant- Superintendent C. H. Erwin, of New York, to 
come here and look the ground over carefully, preparatory to 
locating the office ; and the result showed that the plans were well 
laid, and carried out. Aside from Electrician Mofiatt, the working 
force, at The Banner office branch, consisted of H. V. Shelley, 
night manager at Albany ; J. McKenzie, W. L. Brandt, E. H. Sim- 
mons, L. W. Windgate, and A. P. Kranshaar, of New York ; and 
Miss Morrison, of Troy. Miss Root, of the local office at Benning- 
ton, also rendered material assistance during the week, besides 
attending to the commercial and miscellaneous despatches. The 
force handled 100,000 words on this occasion. Lineman Miller 
was on duty all the time, also, and on the watch for "breakers," 
which, however, did not show up. 

It was a splendid service, and we all knew it, was the verdict 
of the press- workers. 

The Town and Village Goveknment. — The Selectmen (E. 
S. Harris, Samuel C. Lyons, Frank Crawford), took early measures 
to have a proper police force, which accounts for the good order 
which prevailed, generally, and which was quite remarkable con- 
sidering the large crowd in town. In this they were ably seconded 
by the President and Trustees of the Village. John Robinson, 
Sheriff, had fifty " specials " on duty, while John Nash, Chief-of- 
Police, had two hundred special policemen at his order ; besides 
these, there were thirteen uniformed police from Troy, N. Y., under 
Sergeant Lane. Detectives Butler, of New York; Kavanaugh, of 
Rochester ; Knox, of Boston ; Ford and Forrest, of Troy, and 
Sheriffs Conway and McGrath, of Hoosick Falls, were on duty here. 
There were only forty arrests. 



MONUMENT TABLETS. 199 

Members of the Centennial Committee Avere, also, appointed as 
special police, and wore badges so designating them. 

Other Tablets ix the Moxument. — In the Look Out Room 
(pages 100, 101), of the Monument, are four historical tablets. These 
are of Barre granite, and each measures, face surface, three feet 
three inches by five feet nine inches. The tablets are twenty inches 
thick and form a part of the solid masonry of the structure. 




Vt. Historical Society, Incorp. Not. 5, 1838. 

Presidents. 
Henry Stevens. 
HiLAND Hall. 
Geo. F. Houghton. 
Wm. M. Hlrd. 
E. P. Walton. 



The Vermont Historical Society's tablet is located above the 
columns in the North side, and, like the others, is observed from a 
perspective of from twenty to thirty feet. Aside from the inscrip- 
tion the " emblem " is the seal of the society, in has relief. This 
seal is a log cabin in the foreground with the figure of an Indian in 
the distance. 



emblem. 



G, Le. of Vt., F. & A. M., orCx'd 1794 

" 1804 

" 1854 

" 1824 

« 1868 
CORNER STONE LAID BY 
GRAND LODGE AUG. 16th, 1887. 



G. Ch. " " 


R. A. M. 


G. Cl. " " 


R. & S. M. 


G. Cy. " « 


K. T. 


A. A. S. 


Rite 



The Masonic tablet occupies the East side, under the ceiling, 
and contains the record of that Fraternity in Vermont. The 
"emblem" is a combination of the "working tools" of the Craft, 
including the insignia of the 33°. The Corner-stone being laid by 
the Freemasons it was eminently proper that the blue flag of the 
Society should float from the cope-stone when it " was safely seated," 
as noted. (Page 53.) This flag, and the gavel used in laying the 
Corner-stone, are safely deposited in the archives of Mount Anthony 
Lodge, No. 13, of Bennington. 



200 



DEDICATION^ AND CENTENNIAL. 





INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS 


Combination 


1819. 1889. 
VERMONT. 




1847 GRAND LODGE. 


Emblem. 


1871 GRAND ENCAMPMENT. 




1888 PATRIARCHS MILITANT. 



In the same relative position on the West side is the Odd Fel- 
lows' tablet. The " combination emblem " is a sword and crook 
crossed, held together by a crown. Suspended from the points are 
the " three links," the distinctive badge of the Order. 



EMBLEM. 

G. A. R. 
BADGE. 



GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. 



-U. S. A.- 



ORGANIZED OCTOBER 23, 1868. 



The South side is the place of the tablet of the Grand Army of 
the Republic. The " emblem " is a badge of the Order, and, like 
the other three, is in has relief. The stripes in the hanger, are dis- 
tinguished by two kinds of finish. 

These tablets were gotten up by Special Committees of the 
respective organizations named, and the expenses were borne by the 
State bodies of each. The Sovereign Grand Lodge, I. O. O. F., had 
some years ago placed a tablet of Vermont marble, suitably 
engraved, in the Washington Monument ; and a number other 
State societies moved to obtain tablets for the Bennington Battle 
Monument, but were not in time. The Architect, however, made 
blue-prints and assigned places, but as the space was not taken none 
but these four were placed in it. For some reason all the newspa- 
per descriptions of the Monument omit mention of these tablets, 
and they are, also, overlooked in the " official " description, hence a 
sketch of them to close this volume. 

The four societies are to be congratulated upon the motives and 
enterprise displayed by each to place such enduring records in the 
highest battle monument on earth to-day. Momentous events hung 
upon the issues of Bennington's notable battle ; and may its results 
become symbolic of a like influence upon the societies represented, 
when their present members, like the fathers of the State, shall 
have put aside the sword and armor for the Crown. 



INDEX. 



Abbott, Colonel Lyman F., 65, 66, 140, 148. 

Addresses: 
Judge Noah Smith, 12; Hon. John W. 
Stewart, 46 ; Introductory, by Hon. Whee- 
lock G, Veazey, President of the Day, 78 ; 
Welcome by Governor Page, 80 ; Transfer 
of the Monument by ex-Governor Prescott, 
President of the Association, 81 ; Hon. 
Edward J. Phelps, 84 ; President Harrison, 
97, 105 ; Governor Kussell, 109 ; Governor 
Tuttle, 11*2 ; General Oliver Otis Howard, 
115 ; General Russell A. Alger, 118 ; Secre- 
tary of War Proctor, 119 ; Attorney-Gen- 
eral Miller, 120 ; General Alexander S. 
Webb, 121 ; General John G. McCullough, 
122 ; Ex-Governor Rice, 123 ; Colonel Albert 
Clarke, 126 ; Dr. E. B. Sherman, 127 ; Major 
Charles H. Bartlett, 129 ; Hon, EdAvin S. 
Barrett, President Massachusetts Society, 
S. A. R.,131; Colonel Kittredge Haskins, 
154 ; General John C. Underwood, 159 ; 
Major A. B. Valentine, 164 ; Chaplain How- 
ard F. Hill, 174 ; General Theo. S. Peck, 
Colonel G. G. Benedict, Colonel Andross, 
160. 

Alger, General R. A., 104, 118, 142, 143, 148. 

Appkopriations : 
To build the Monument, 30, 31, 34, 35; to pur- 
chase site, 41 ; Vermont to celebrate, 64 
New Hampshire to attend Centennial, 64 
Massachusetts for Centennial Expenses, 65 , 
Knights Templars, 155 ; Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows, 158 ; Grand Army of the 
Republic, 161-163 ; Sons of the American 
Revolution, 163. 

Architect of the Monument, 39. 

Arch, 74-76. 

Arrival of The President, 141. 

Auxiliary Events, 154. 

Awards, Centennial Trophy, etc., 185. 

B. 

Banquet, 103. 

Batchelder, James K., 33. 66, 140. 

Bates, Edward L., 66, 103, 146, 147. 

Barrett, Edwin S., 131, 148, 165, 167, 169. 

Bartlett, Major Chas. H. , 129, 148, 172, 194. 

Baum Cannon, 29, 72, 145. 

Benediction: 
Rev. Isaac Jennings, 53 ; Rev. Chas. Park- 
hurst, D.D., 99. 

Bennett, Colonel E. D., 66, 68, 103, 157, 192. 

Bennington Battle, Celebrations of, 9-29. 

Bennington Battle Monument Associa- 
tion: 

Incorporation, 29 ; First Organization, 31 ; 
First Celebration of, 31-33 ; Second Incora- 
tion, 33; Organization of, 36, 37; Record 
History of, 35-42. 

Bennington Historical Society, 33. 

Blazing Arch, Electric and Calcium Lights, 76. 

Bliss, Chas. M., 35, 36. 37, 38, 39, 40, 41. 

Building Committee, 35, 36, 41. 

Bull,Wm. C, 66,75, 103. 

Burgoyne's Camp-Kettle, 102. 

C. 

Camp-Kettle: 
Burgoyne's, 102 ; (not) Burgoyne's, 192. 



Canvas Pavilions, 103, 104. 

Carney, John V., 66, 67, 103, 108, 147, 183. 

Celebrations: 
of Bennington Battle, 9-29 ; Cost of, 35, 175. 

Centennial: 
Commission, 66, 140 ; Ode, 83, 146. 

Centennial Sunday: 
Services in Camp, 134 ; at Old First Church, 
134 ; Historic Sermon, 135-139 ; Services in 
town, 196, 197, 198. 

Chief Marshals : 
Colonel Geo. W. Hooker, 44. 
General Wm. L Greenleaf, 67, 69, 144. 

Childs, Asaph P., 66, 103, 150. 

Chivalry, Decoration of, 159, 160. 

Citizens Committee of Fifty, 65, 66. 

City of Tents, 183-198. 

Clarke, Colonel Albert, 126, 147. 

Committees: 
On Oration of, 1778, 12 ; Celebration of, 1805, 
24-25 ; Bennington Battle Monument Asso- 
ciation, and Centennial Year, 33 ; Commit- 
tee of Design, 37 ; General and Working, 
38,41 ; Advisory, 39; On Building, 40, 41 ; 
On Constitution, 56 ; Admission to the 
Union, 61 ; Official State, 64, 66 ; Citizens 
Committee of Fifty, 66 ; Reception, 140; 
Exercises, 140 ; Reviewing Stand, 140 ; Ban- 
quet, 140 ; Ladies, 140 ; Grand Stand, 140 ; 
Knights Templars, 155; I. O. O. F., 158; 
General Stark's Portrait, 166 ; General 
Stark's Battle Flag, 166. 

Contents, Table of, 5, 6, 

Continental Salute, 44. 

Contract to Build Monument, 35, 41. 

Cope-Stone, 53. 

Corner-stone, Laying of, 42-53. 

Cummings, Silas W., 155. 

Gushing, Major H. C, 77, 148, 145, 184, 188, 192. 

Cushman, Henry T., 2nd, 66, 67, 103, 175. 

D. 

Daley, Dr. Emmett B., 146. 

Decorations, 74, 77, 104, 132, 134, and 197 ; of 

Chivalry, 159, 160. 
Dedication: 

Ceremonies, 77-103 ; of Monument, 77-99. 
Description of the Monument, 99-102. 
Dinner at General McCullough's, 141, 142. 
Directors: 

See Record History, 35-42. 
Design: 

Committee of, 37 ; of Monument, adopted, 

38 39 
Downs, Prof, H, W., 75. 
Drennan, Major John S., 70, 142. 

E. 

Edmunds, ex-Senator Geo. F., 44. 140, 143, 147. 
Estey, Colonel Julius J., 66, 70, 148, 186, 187. 



Farnham, ex-Governor Roswell, 140, 143, 148. 
Fletcher, Lieut.-Gov, Henry A., 66, 160, 196. 
Fuller, Colonel Levi K., 41, 44, 71, 77, 148, 188. 

G. 

Gibson, Irving E., 66, 103, 144. 



202 



INDEX. 



Government, Village and Town, 198. 
Goldsmith, Prof. R. O., 146. 
Grand Lodge of Freemasons, 42, 43, 44, 45, 199. 
Grand Army of the Republic, 43, 70, 72, 145, 

162, 163. 200. 
Greene, Colonel Luther O., 140, 148. 
Greenleaf, Gen. Wm. L., 44, 67, 69, 144, 148, 174, 

184. 
Guard of Honor, 70, 142. 

H. 

Hall, Alfred A., 42, 45, 154, 155. 

Haskins, Colonel Kittredge, 154, 155, 156, 175. 

Harrison, Benjamin, 69, 70, 74, 76, 99, 104, 105, 

108, 132, 141, 144, 145, 150. 
Hill, Rev. Howard P., 70, 134, 191. 
Historic Tablets, 199, 200. 
Holden, John S., 66, 103. 
Hooker, Col. Geo. W., 44, 140, 141, 160. 
Howard, General O. O., 115, 143, 148. 
Huling, Milo C, 33, 35, 37, 38, 39, 41, 45. 



Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 43, 44, 45, 

159, 200. 
Introductory and Incidental Events, 139. 
Invitations, Official, 64. 



Jacob, Stephen, 11. 
Jennings, Rev. Isaac, 33, 36, 40, 42, 53. 
John A. Logan Mounted Post, 70, 142, 145, 
161, 162. 

K. 

Knights Templars, 43, 72, 145, 154, 157, 199. 



Legislative Acts: 

Incorporating the Bennington Battle Monu- 
ment Association (1853), 30; Incorporating 
the Bennington Battle Monument Associa- 
tion (1876), 33 ; Appointing Commissioners, 
41 ; Vermont's Admission to the L'nion, 61 ; 
Dedication of the Monument and Vermont 
Centennial, 63 ; Joint Resolution by New 
Hampshire, 64 ; Resolve by Massachusetts, 
65. 

List of Illustrations, 7, 8. 

Letteks: 
Of General John Stark, 25 ; Attorney-Gen- 
eral Miller, 120 ; Vice-President Morton, 
177 ; President Bartlett, 177 ; Governor 
Burke, 177 ; Governor Bulkley, 177 ; Reuben 
C. Benton, 177 ; Governor Boies, 177 ; Gov- 
ernor Burleigh, 177 ; Governor Fleming, 

178 ; Governor Fifer, 178 ; Chief Justice 
Fuller, 178 ; Governor Eagle, 178 ; General 
Chas. W. Darling, 178 ; Dudley C. Denison, 

179 ; Secretary Blaine, 179 ; Major Charles 
Colville, 179 ; ex-President Cleveland, 179 ; 
ex-Governor Beaver, 179 ; Doctor P. O'M. 
Edson, 179 ; Secretary Noble, 179 ; General 
R. D. Mussey, 179 ; Senator Mauderson, 181 ; 
Governor Hill, 181 ; ex-President Hayes, 
181 ; Governor Buckner, 181 ; Postmaster- 
General Wanamaker, 181 ; ex-Postmaster- 
General Vilas, 181 ; General " Baldy " 
Smith, 182 ; Secretary Rusk, 1S2 ; Governor 
Nichols, 182 ; and others, 182. 

M. 

Massachusetts Delegation, 172-174. 
Menu, 105, 149. 

Miller, VVm. H. H., 120, 141, 143, 147. 
McCullough, General J. G., 39, 122, 132, 141, 
143, 147, 168, 169. 



Moodus Drum Corps, 72, 171. 

Monument: 
Resume of History, 29 ; First Proposals, 31 ; 
Committee on Location, 31 ; First Celebra- 
tion in interest of, 31, 32 ; Second Move- 
ment to Build, 32, 33 ; Second Celebration 
in interest of, 35 ; Cost of Monument and 
Contract for, 35, 36 ; Record History, 36-42 ; 
Grand Lodge of Vermont, F. & A. M., 
asked to lay Corner-stone, 42 ; Dedicated, 
77-99. 

N. 

National Guard of Vermont, 44, 64, 70, 71, 134, 

145, 183-199. 
Newspaper Corps, 153, 154. 
New Hampshire at the Centennial, 171, 172. 
Ninth Vermont, Reunion of, 160, 161. 



Official Acts and Preparation, 63. 

Old First Church Organized, 54. 

Orations: 
Judge Noah Smith, 12; Hon. John W. Stew- 
art, 46 ; Hon. Edward J. Phelps, 84. 

Orator, First (of Bennington Battle), 9. 

P. 

Page, Governor Carroll S. , 35, 44, 64, 65, 66, 67, 

70, 76. 80, 82, 99, 103, 133, 134, 139, 141, 142, 

144, 147, 150, 154, 157, 160, 162, 176, 188, 190. 
Parade, Formation of Column, 70. 
Parkhurst, Rev. Chas., 67, 78, 99, 144, 182. 
Patriarchs Militant, 43, 44. 73, 74, 145, 157, 200. 
Peck, General Theo. S.,44, 65, 133,141,143, 

148, 160, 174, 184. 190. 
People's Popular Banquet, 103. 
Phelps, Edward J., 35, 37, 67, 84, 99, 104, 141, 

143, 148. 
Poet, First (of Bennington Battle), 11, 16. 
Postprandial Exercises, 105-132. 
Prayer, Rev. Dr. Parkhurst, 79. 
Preface, 3, 4. 
Prescott, ex-Governor Benj. F., 37, 42, 44, 45, 

81, 143, 144, 148, 166. 
Presentation in "Camp Vermont," 174. 
Preparatory Stage. 63. 
Presidents of the Day: 

Ex-Governor Prescott, 42 ; General Whee- 

lock G. Veazey, 67. 
Presidential: 

Party, 142, 143, 144; Salute, 77. 
Procession and its Incidents, 68-77. 
Proctor, Redfield, 104, 119, 143, 147, 169. 
Puller, Colonel N. M. , 73, 158, 160. 

R. 

Record History, Rev. Isaac Jennings, 36-42. 
Reports: 

Of Chief Marshal, 69 : of Adjutant-General, 

133 ; of the Brigade, 184 ; of Regiment, 187 ; 

of Artillery, 188. 
Revolutionary Soldiers, 168. 
Rice, ex-Governor Alex. H., 57, 123, 141, 142, 

143, 147. 
Rinn, J. Philipp, 39, 45, 99. 
Root, Henry G., .35, 36, 40, 41, 66. 
Roster of Troops: 

Vermont, 190 ; Cushing's Battery, 192 ; 

New Hampshire, and Amoskeag Veterans, 

193 ; Massachusetts, 194. 
Russell, Governor Wm. E., 104, 109, 141, 143, 

148, 172, 173, 194. 

S. 

Scott, Colonel Olin, 33, 45. 72, 102, 165, 198. 
Severance, Rev. M. L., 135-139. 
Sibley, Geo. Byron, 175. 



INDEX. 



203 



Site of Monument, 40, 41. 

Slierman, Elijah B., 127. 

Smith, Noah, 9, 10. 

Soldiers' Home Dedicated, 43. 

Soxs OF THE American Revolution: 
March in Procession, 72 ; Decorations, 134 ; 
Headquarters, 140, 163 ; Annual Meeting, 
164 ; New Hampshire Society. 165 ; Massa- 
chusetts Society, 167 ; Rosters of Repre- 
sentatives, 168-171. 

Souvenir: 
Programmes, 68 ; Gold Medal, 108. 

Staniels, Chas. E., 165. 166, 170. 

Stark. General John. 25. 

Stewart, John W., 33, 46, 66, 140, 142. 143, 170. 

Stillson, Henry L.,4, 66, 68, 73, 103, 134, 153, 
164, 169. 



Telegraphic Service, 198. 

Templar Hospitality, 174, 175. 

32nd Separate Company, N. Y. N. G., 43, 71, 

145. 
Toasts, Ancient, 24. 
Transportation, Railways engaged, 68. 
Triumphal Arch, 74-76, 
Tuttle, Governor Hiram A., 104, 112, 140, 143, 

148, 171, 172, 193. 



Underwood, General John C, 73, 157, 158, 159, 

160. 
Union Celebrations, Vermont and New York, 

26. 

V. 

Veazey, Wheelock G., 67, 78, 79, 81, 82, 83, 96, 

99, 105, 109, 115, 118, 119. 121, 123, 143, 147. 
Valentine, Major A. B., 35, 36, 37, 40, 41, %<o, 

67, 72, 164, 165. 
Vermont : 

Legislature, 73, 196. 

Independent State of, 53-62. 

Historical Society, 199. 

Centennial Ode, 83, 146. 

W. 

Ward, Wm. H., 35, 41. 
"Washington Centennial, 27. 
Webb: 

Dr. Wm, Seward, 70, 76, 141, 142, 147, 164. 

General Alex. S., 121, 141, 143, 148, 160. 
Wells, General William, 44, 140, 143, 144, 148, 

160. 
West Point Cadets, 72, 145, 186. 
Woodbury, Colonel U. A., 140, 145, 148, 160. 



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